Recommendation - Complete Beethoven Sonatas

The Beethoven Piano Sonatas are so complex, that almost any fine pianist is likely to find something interesting to "say," but, I agree with those who think very highly of Kempff. His performances are magesterial.

I would agree with Gileon. The Schnabel set doesn't have the best "sound", but the performances are transcendental. I can't think of a better set... and the late sonatas are the best... period.

Mixed review of Schnabel's? The only thing you could quibble with would be the sound quality. If you get the Pearl set, the piano tone is rather well preserved along with all the hiss =)

Performance wise, Schnabel's set stands head and shoulder above everything else available. Supplement judiciously with some Gilels on DG and Stephen Kovacevich on Philips.

The Claudio Arrau complete sonatas on Philips are certainly deserving of consideration here. Yes, they are currently available, but you have to get them in a big boxed set which includes the major piano variations, the five piano concertos, and the triple concerto.

many of the above are impeccable -- especially Brendel (probably first choice) and Arrau (if you like Beethoven more as Liszt's predecessor than as Hayden's successor). But I also really like Ashkenazy. He gets such fabulously muscular yet purling tone out of the keyboard, and plays with such control and command, always thinking through the piece fully. The op. 2 sonatas are sparkling and idiomatic, and the great lates are as ethereal and strage as you could want. I'm not sure why his cycle isn't better loved than it is. Perhaps he's just assumed to be a Rachmoninov guy, and his classical era stuff is consequently overlooked. Certianly his playing on the Beethoven violin and piano sonatas is superb. On the other hand, his Mozart is a bit clunky, and his Schubert is no match for Brendel's, though no one else's is either,'cept maybe Perhia.

RNM

Another definite vote for Goode. I hope this cycle gets re-issued on hi-res one of these days because the sound was quite excellent.

Claudio Arrau's performances were released in CD format by Philips, titled: Complete Sonatas & Concertos. It is a very subtle and lyrical reading.

On the contrary Backhaus’s performances (Decca) provide me a grand and heroic approach.

The live recording (DGG) performed by aged Rudolf Serkin in Vienna was so sacred and sublime. You almost can feel that you are in tranquil surroundings with serene notes floating in the air. But unfortunately it was captured only the last three sonatas (op. 109 – 111).

Happy Listening.

Otto

Agree with the Moravec recommendation - but he has not recorded the complete sonatas (which was the question). Nevertheless, what he has put to disc are interpretations well worth adding to any collection.

I agree that the Goode set is excellent. On vinyl, I really enjoy Claudio Arrau's performances (don't know if they have been reissued on CD). Also on vinyl, I've got a few of Ivan Moravec's performances - - - sublime!

Another vote for Goode. I have both the Goode and the Kempff sets and prefer the Goode ever so slightly. Both pianists are exemplary.

Let me confuse the issue by recommending the Pollini along with the Brendel and the Goode.

And I'll offer yet another view in favor of Wilhelm Kempff. His recordings on DGG are in generally good sound, and his interpretations are always well thought.

I've not heard any of the performances by Goode. I'll have to explore his interpretations - thanks!

Another nod for Goode. Although in ultimate terms I prefer Schnabel and Kempf, the fidelity is pretty low on those (1930's and mid-50s respectively) I admire Brendel a great deal, but his set(s) are pretty rigorous and intellectual-- not perhaps the only one(s) to have if you're having only one. Goode is excelllent all around, and is recorded wonderfully. You could live happily ever after.

I would also lean towards Goode over Brendel just between the two. Is it possible to say that Brendel's playing is many times "too perfect" ?

You might also be able to piece together a set separately by Murray Perahia.

For other "historic" recordings you can probably piece together an almost complete set by Solomon or Richter.

For the entire set on CD's I think I'd go for Brendel or Goode. Both have an excellent grasp of these sonatas, and both received excellent reviews. My prime choice woould be Goode.