Fine job, Mr. Brendel!
James R. Prater | Cleveland Tn. | 04/12/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of piano variations and smaller pieces by Beethoven shows Alfred Brendel in excellent form as an interpreter of that composer's work. However, four sets of variations are missing! The Variations on a March by Dressler (Beethoven's first extant composition published in 1783) is only mentioned in the liner notes. The Twelve Variations on Haibl's "Minuet a la Vigano" SHOULD have been given the characteristic Brendel stamp. They deserve to be heard more often. Also absent are the now considered spurious set on "Ich Hab Ein Kleines Huttchen Nur" (published 1832). The "Diabelli" Variations have been recorded by Mr. Brendel in a separate recording on the Philips label. Also, some of the piano sonatas and little pieces (excepting the C Minor Allegro and the Op. 89 Polonaise) were better left off."
Brendel, Beethoven, and Vox can't be beat
dm | rochester, ny | 11/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These VoxBox series of Brendel playing Beethoven are wonderful: beautiful playing and a great price! This set is very impressive, particularly the 32 Variations On An Original Theme In C Minor. Brendel's playing is very expressive, and the sound quality is excellent."
Hidden treasures.
Jose Martinez | Montevideo, URUGUAY | 09/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really don't know why, but the Variations and sonatas in this set are often neglected and underrated by pianists. They are wonderful music! I've been playing some of them since I was a piano student.....and I still enjoy as much as in the old days! Of course the well known 32 sonatas are worth having...but if you miss the works in this set.....well, you are REALLY missing something beautiful. Brendel plays flawlessly, giving us not only his masterful technique, but his passion.
This is a set to be discovered, like a hidden treasure.
Pablo Martinez
Montevideo - URUGUAY"