Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Stephen Bishop Kovacevich :: Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas; Bagatelles Op. 119, Op. 126 [Box Set]

It's All Here, and Then Some: A Romantic Feast

JMB1014 | USA | 03/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After growing familiar with Brendel's early set and many versions by Richter, Backhaus, Dochnanyi, Horowitz, Serkin, Ashkenazy, Kempff, Schnabel, Pollini, Rosen, Uchida and Gould, I decided I wanted a new set of all 32 sonatas. I listened and read reviews for over a year, gathering impressions of Barenboim, Arrau, Schnabel, Jando, Kovacevich, Goode, and more impressions of those I already knew - Ashkenazy, Kempff, Brendel and Backhaus. Beethoven is my favorite composer. Though I am delighted by "cornerstone" interpretations, I value an undistracting technique and good recorded sound.



Ultimately, I decided it was between Goode and Kovacevich. I listened to the excerpts on this website and chose. When the package arrived, I felt I had erred: I should have gotten Richard Goode's set. Nevertheless, I opened it and the die was cast. Kovacevich (nee Bishop) has been a constant source of wonder. These are stunning, insightful recordings that no excerpting on a computer can do justice. The criticism that all the sonatas are played the same way in this set is simply unjustified. I felt some of that when I listened to the little snatches available online, but when I took the time to play these at home on a good stereo, it was a completely different story. I was astonished and delighted. Every time I play one of these pieces, I feel I am hearing something totally new, but intelligently conceived and emotionally authentic and fulfilling. And he plays well! The first night, I stayed up late listening to four of these CDs in a row, all the way through. I still do that, but less now as I need the sleep. There is no musical wallpaper. And do not be fooled: Kovacevich has a sweet, exquisitely warm and tender side. This is not the 2-dimensional booming some have suggested.



I am content now to enjoy these for years to come. A rich reward of new insights, with gorgeous sound and amazing technique, is all one could ask. Can a piece of music be emotionally and intellectually voluptuous? I now believe so. These 9 CDs (the last is sonata 32 and a lot of delicious bagatelles) are a treasured part of my collection. I return now and then to other versions and am amazed at the new dimensions, first here, now there, that Kovacevich has added when compared to what I had thought were definitive performances. Of course, some of these old friends will never be replaced but the entire array of the sonatas is now far more interesting than ever before. That also applies to the late sonatas: to cite just one instance, he plays No. 30 more sweetly than anyone, including Pollini. It is something to revel in. Kovacevich offers a full array of emotional experiences. What most distinguishes this set is his profound integrity as an artist. The decisions he makes are invariably just to the music and bring out what was evidently there all the time in a way that surprises and delights. Listening with one preconceived version of how Beethoven should sound (e.g., "There is no one like (fill in the blank: Arrau, Kempff, Schnabel, etc.), period") may paralyze the best intentions. Kovacevich has the artistry to transcend the impressions of most opinionated listeners. As to the more mundane issues, the accompanying critical notes are very fine and the packaging not expensive but good and rather stylish in appearance. I also believe the price is fair. This is music to which I return with mingled pleasure, anticipation and reverence. Enjoy."

A Great, Fiery, Beethoven Sonatas Set

Into | everywhereandnowhere | 02/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Along with Brahms's late piano works, Debussy, some Liszt, and The Chopin Nocturnes, The Beethoven Piano sonatas are among my very favorite solo piano listening. I already have the Schnabel set, all of the sonatas that Gilels recorded, and The Goodes. I love all of those for different reasons. Although I don't own the Kempes, I listened to that set repeatedly when I worked at a record store several years ago, and I find his tempos to be a little "samey." Kovacevich is perhaps my favorite pianist, largely on the strength of his recordings of late Brahms, the Brahms First Piano Concerto, and the Beethoven Concertos. After I bought the Goode set several years ago, which I still very much enjoy, I decided that I couldn't justify springing for another full set...but after reading some reviews here, of the full set, and the individual issues, I managed to track down a relatively inexpensive copy of this set, so I decided to make this my latest "last set" of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas...and this one may very will be it.



In the faster music, Kovacevich is fiery, passionate, and unabashedly romantic, but he never fails to find the poetry in the slower, more introspective, music. One of my personal favorites of the Beethoven Sonatas--not just the more famous, or "named" ones--is the Second, and Kovacevich's performance has replaced Gilels' as my favorite. I'm not going to give a detailed breakdown of several of the Sonatas. I just wanted to say how much I enjoy the set as a whole, and was completely dazzled by several movements, especially the famous first movement of the Waldstein, always a favorite pianistic showcase, and Kovacevich's account of that sonata has also become my new favorite. The only place where I noted not really liking his choice of a tempo was in the first movement of the Hammerklavier: I realize that Kovacevich's fast tempo is a valid interpretation, but, frankly, this sonata has never been very near the top of my list of personal favorites of "the 32," and I prefer a more majestic tempo for the first movement; imo, if it is done too fast it sounds kind of "cartoonish,"



Unless you just flat out don't like your Beethoven sonatas played with a bit more romantic flair and flexibility, I think you will very much enjoy this set. Although I can imagine myself not always being in the mood for Kovacevich's more intense interpretations--and for those times I will be glad to also have the Goodes--I feel that Kovacevich's virtuosity and style make this a tough set to beat. Great sound too."

Beethoven with Horsepower!!!

Robert Thomas | Los Angeles, CA | 03/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"QUESTION: Is this the best Beethoven piano cycle ever put to disk, and how does it compare with the great recordings of the past?

ANSWER: Yes, it is. In back to back comparisons with the immortal sets of Kempff, Schnabel, Brendel, and Goode (to name a few), the Kovacevich recording holds up quite well.

So well, in fact, as to be considered in a league by itself.

Take Schnabel, for instance. Yes, there is great depth in the playing, but consider the poor recording quality, the mistakes, and the lack of fire compared to Kovacevich.

Now take Brendel and Kempf. Sober, classical style playing devoid of any great highs and lows. AKA-boring.

Finally, consider Richard Goode. A truly 'fine' Beethoven cycle. Solid in every respect. One of the best, to be sure, but lets be honest. Anytime a reviewer uses the word 'fine' in his description of a performance, it is guaranteed that you can do better. It's like an attractive woman referring to a man as 'nice'. Sure, he may get to first base with her, but he'll never score.

Stephen Kovacevich, on the other hand, 'scores' big time with some of the most impassioned, hair raising, nail biting, edge-of-your-seat performances in the annals of the recording age.

Believe me, I do not exagerrate. My collection includes multiple recording of every work Beethoven wrote in his lifetime, and I count the Kovacevich piano sonatas at the very top of that oft-listened to heap of disks.

Unfortunately, I do not find Kovacevich's other recordings nearly as convincing as his Beethoven. In a sense, he is to Beethoven what Glenn Gould is to Bach, humming and all.

Make it your mission in life to acquire this set.

Enjoy."