Customer Reviews

3 Piano Sonatas

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Generally, Haydn's music tend to give one the impression of technical costructs with less human emotions compared with Beethoven, Mozart etc. But some of the music pieces in this CD are exceptionally charming in arousing deep and passionate thoughts encased in simple technical structures. I especially endorse the Sonata in E mol and the Fantasia in C. Brendel has succeeded in realizing simplicity, depth and passion in his controlled and yet dynamic performance.

Haydn's piano sonatas are relatively obscure yet the music is beautiful. Perhaps some of it goes back to its historical context as Haydn composed when the keyboard technology was transitioning from the harpsichord to piano. Alfred Brendel offers fine performances. For listeners who enjoy piano sonatas by Beethoven and Mozart and listen to the solo piano works of Brahms and Chopin, this fine album fits right in. ENJOY!

These sonatas are played flawlessly. I own several Haydn sonata CDs. Each enlightens me about Papa Haydn's
genius, but the pianist must reveal that genius with the composer's passion and compassion, as well as his own, and
Alfred Brendel does so............so magnificently. I purchased these before it was given the high honor of the
Penguin Rosette for qualitative classical music. It's funny because I do not always agree with specific awards.
This was the first disc on hearing Haydn's sonatas and I can tell you, it is 'damn' good music to my ears, and I'd be honored to take it to my Treasure Island.

What celestial playing! Haydn's piano sonatas aren't that popular, but Brendel absolutely makes you fall in love with them!!