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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 26, 27 & 29
Ludwig van Beethoven, Solomon Cutner
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 26, 27 & 29
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1

If the "Hammerklavier" Sonata (No. 29), perhaps the most profound work ever written for the piano, were not on this disc, one would dwell on the singular charms of the rarely heard, two-movement Sonata No. 27 or the astoni...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Ludwig van Beethoven, Solomon Cutner
Title: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 26, 27 & 29
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Testament UK
Release Date: 11/14/2000
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Romantic (c.1820-1910)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 749677119126

Synopsis

Amazon.com
If the "Hammerklavier" Sonata (No. 29), perhaps the most profound work ever written for the piano, were not on this disc, one would dwell on the singular charms of the rarely heard, two-movement Sonata No. 27 or the astonishing rightness of Solomon's interpretation of the Sonata No. 26, "Les Adieux." But the "Hammerklavier" is the touchstone of any Beethoven sonata cycle, and it's the rock upon which most pianists founder. Solomon meets its challenges as well as anyone who's every recorded it. Solomon may not match Artur Schnabel's intensity, but he's far superior technically, and he comes close to Claudio Arrau's depth and Wilhelm Kempff's poetry. Solomon is unique in bringing all these attributes to bear on a piece whose mysteries can never be encompassed in one interpretation. He captures the dynamism of the opening Allegro, makes the Scherzo a witty romp, and sustains the long, 22-minute Adagio with a flowing poetry that's breathtaking. The final fugue, played with superhuman ease by Solomon, for once seems an inevitable culmination of a timeless journey. An indispensable disc. --Dan Davis
 

CD Reviews

Worth the price just for the "Hammerklavier"
Christopher J. Sharpe | Caracas, Venezuela | 05/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is beautiful music making and a fine testament to Solomon's playing. Some have found the sound quality to be problematic, but I have to say that after a few seconds it is hard not to simply get caught up in the poetry and forget about sound quality. I do not have other versions of these recordings so I cannot say whether this is the best release to purchase, but I understand the EMI issues (on Amazon: ASIN B000002S4V) are less friendly on the ear. Whatever the case, I would not be without this recording of the "Hammerklavier" which some who are better qualified to judge have rated as well-nigh definitive. Enjoy!"