Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Colin Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra :: Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven

Masterly performances by the young Stephen Kovacevich

Stephen Campbell | Dandenong Ranges, VIC Australia | 01/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This box set bring together all Stephen Kovacevich's Beethoven recordings for Philips - recorded during his thirties - in a 6 cd set.

All these recordings - made during the '70s - were considered amongst the finest ever made and they have rarely been subsequently equaled, let alone surpassed. The sound of the recordings is still very good.

One of the most thoughtful, improvisatory and original pianists, Kovacevich went on to record a very fine and highly praised set of complete sonatas for EMI, but these earlier performances were, in some ways, superior. There was a simplicity and timelessness to many of his earlier recordings which is particulary compelling.

Listen the 3rd mvt adagio of Piano Sonata No.28 in A, Op.101 (on cd4) for an exceptional sense of inner stillness."

Best Beethoven concertos

Sherman Lambert | 11/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There have been several excellent records of Beethoven's piano concertos. Leon Fleisher with Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra is a classic and Barenboim's work is highly acclaimed. Nontheless I found the Kovacevich collection flawless. This is the last Beethoven's piano recording I'll buy."