Beethoven Piano Sonatas

[Pianorak]

Therefore I will probably be looking at the more sonically impressive recordings

If "sonically impressive recordings" is important please listen to the Album Samples of the Bernard Robert recordings. I find the Nimbus sound is an acquired taste. it is for that reason that I find Shura Cherkassky's recordings made at Wyastone Leys difficult to listen to. But maybe that's just me.

[Bryn]

I often find that pianists have a problem with Nimbus recordings of their instrument. Perhaps it is partly down to their accustomed proximity to the keyboard end of of the beast? I usually hear piano performances from within the audience and to me the Nimbus piano sound is very natural.

[Pianorak]

I often find that pianists have a problem with Nimbus recordings of their instrument. Perhaps it is partly down to their accustomed proximity to the keyboard end of of the beast? I usually hear piano performances from within the audience and to me the Nimbus piano sound is very natural.

Interesting point, Bryn. Hadn't thought about that - but glad to hear it's not a universal problem, just mine.

[richardfinegold]

Has anyone mentioned the Brautigan set on BIS? I don't usually embrace fortepiano recordings but these are brilliantly recorded and thrillingly played, with the limitations of the instrument helping to enhance the revolutionary, limit testing Beethoven.

[vinteuil]

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... o, the 'limitations' of the piano of the period are as nothing compared to the limitations of a full-strength modern Steinway trying to negotiate the writing of someone living 1770-1827.


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[Conchis]

HUGELY expensive on Amazon!

[pastoralguy]

HUGELY expensive on Amazon!

It was roughly that price in Budapest 3 years ago.

[vinteuil]

... [ Annie Fischer Beethoven ] ... HUGELY expensive on Amazon!

... well, £8-15 per CD?

Back in the day we were paying, what, £13 - £15 for a CD? - without blenching overmuch....



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[Pianorak]

... well, £8-15 per CD?

Back in the day we were paying, what, £13 - £15 for a CD? - without blenching overmuch.....

Indeed - these youngsters don't know they are born!

[Karafan]

Can't agree late Brendel is boring his last Op 109-111 for example are marvellous.

Do you prefer his analogue or digital offerings, Barbs?
K.

[Karafan]

Was Annie Fischer's Hungaraton set complete? I remember buying it for a friend when we were in Budapest due to the release date being different.

It is - and what a superb, revelatory cycle that is!
K.

[Barbirollians]

Do you prefer his analogue or digital offerings, Barbs?
K.

I have the full analogue set Coupled with his Haitink conducted versions of the concertos . There is much I love in that set especially Les Adieux the Moonlight, Pathetique and Appassionata ( which I owned on one of my first LPs and prefer to the digital remakes) .

I do not own the whole of the later set but in Op 109-111 I do prefer the later recordings. To my ears there is an extraordinary simplicity and spirituality about them .