Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Christian Leotta :: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Even at Budget Price This 2CD Set is Not Recommendable

J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 10/07/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The booklet for this 2CD set of Beethoven Sonatas played by young Italian pianist Christian Leotta says it is 'Volume 1', suggesting it will be followed by recordings of all the Beethoven piano sonatas. My suspicion is that the series will never be completed largely because the playing on this set, while clearly showing talent, is so mannered as to be barely recommendable. And it is not helped by the recorded sound which turns clangy at anything louder than a modest mezzo-forte in the treble range.



The set contains some of Beethoven's most familiar sonatas. It leads off with a 'Pathétique' whose 'grave' introduction is so slow that one wonders if it will ever end. When the allegro section arrives one's hopes begin to rise, but then one notices rather more tempo instability than is acceptable. Unfortunately this latter characteristic is not confined to just this movement but can be heard throughout the set. It also appears that Signor Leotta is determined to make an impression using whatever means he possesses. For instance, in the Andante first movement of the Op. 26 sonata he plays single bass notes as if they were bullets. His habit of over-accenting the first notes of phrases is wearisome. And on and on.



I cannot in good conscience recommend this set even taking into account that it is offered at budget price. One can hope that the pianist is simply immature and that his not inconsiderable technical ability will eventually be put to more appropriately musical use. Meanwhile, look elsewhere.



Scott Morrison"

One of the best new recordings of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas!

John Lambert | 10/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On the evidence of this "Volume I", issued by the Canadian label Atma Classique (comprising works ranging from Beethoven's early Piano Sonata Opus 10 No. 3 to the Opus 111 - including also famous masterworks such as the "Pathétique" and the "Appassionata"), Christian Leotta, still in his twenties, is unquestionably one of the most interesting pianists of the new generation.



The fact that this young artist reveals such deep musicality reflects his pedagogical lineage: Christian Leotta studied with Karl-Ulrich Schnabel, the very famous teacher son of the legendary Arthur Schnabel, the first pianist ever to record the 32 Piano Sonatas.



In these recordings for Atma Classique, in contrast to many young pianists of the same age, Christian Leotta constantly uses his prodigious technique to better express the poetry of Beethoven's music.



His extraordinary understanding of the German composer's deep inner musical messages really makes this set a "must to have".



Christian Leotta is also the only pianist in the world of his generation able to present in public the 32 Piano Sonatas in 8 recitals spread over a period of less than one month! (he has already performed all of them 12 times).



The fact that Atma Classique has decided to publish a CD series comprising the 32 Piano Sonatas played by Christian Leotta surely is a welcome event in the recording industry.



While listening to "Volume I", I was captured by Christian Leotta's ability to show so well and naturally the extremely wide sound range required by the composer, respecting each of his indications (articulations, phrasing, tempos, etc), and above all to constantly keep the listener's attention thanks to his fascinating expressive research, great musical charisma and intelligent interpretations.



Christian Leotta's approach to Beethoven's pianism is all for the dialectic implied in the musicality of these compositions, for the sonic thought inspired by a philosophic concept, for the harmonic pathway, which develops itself as an ideal ascent.



Any listener will be convinced and conquered by Christian Leotta's refinement and sapient taste and also by his attitude of serving music rather than the concert and recording market.



A very well made recording: waiting eagerly for "Volume II"!



John Lambert, New York City, USA







"

Just Fabulous!!!

Marc Otterman | New York | 04/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have no doubt that Christian Leotta will be soon unanimously recognized as the best interpreter of Beethoven of the last generation. His interpretations are so deep, intense, passionate and brilliant that, after listening to his "Volume I" of the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas, I literally rediscovered the six masterpieces here included. And my surprise was even greater when I listened to him while looking at the score: he REALLY does what Beethoven wanted!



For all Beethoven's lovers this double CD is a must, you will really enjoy it.



Marc Otterman"