Customer Reviews

Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III

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Brendel always seems to have a penchant for never over-doing things. He's never too loud, never too soft, never too harsh (even with this composer). In all the lyrical sections of these early sonatas, I find this disciplined sense of moderation to be soothing yet intense. For example in the first movement of the "Moonlight" Sonata, the soft and double soft marking are observed with assiduousness. It's subtle and not overly dramatic.

Brendel's technique is more than adequate. I wonder why he is not more of a perfectionist when he plays (as he has said about his playing- "I am not a perfectionist.")

All the dynamic and phrasing markings are observed diligently. He's very true to the intentions of the composer even in the little pieces such as these. And as always, he puts the composer before himself when playing.

These recordings date from 1962 through 1964. The state-of-the art for analog was fully developed by then (see the fine RCA Living Stereo releases from the 1950's!), so my best guess as to the "metallic" sound of the piano is that it stems from a bad remaster/transfer job in 1991-2 and/or the use of 2nd or later generation tapes, or a bad recording to begin with... Truth be told, I have the original LPs that came as a boxed set containing all of LvB's piano music (incl. the concertos,etc.) and I am leaning toward the last possibility being the case here... the performances trump the sonics, and I'd not hesitate to recommend these versions.

He may not have a lyricism of Gilels or force and precision of Sokolov, but along these greatest I love the way he plays No.10 G Major and NO. 15 D Major "Pastoral" and others from this album

One man's viewpoint: Brendel again shows his wonderful, steady sense of rhythm. The miracle is that he can keep it rock-steady or slow it a bit for dramatic effect - only if he wants to. He has control and a clarity of vision/purpose with each piece. So of course he transmits this to us. I also notice the lightness of touch he has. And his limber agility (hard-won, no doubt).

I suggest picking up on all four of Mr. Brendel's Vox recordings of the LVB sonatas. Absolutely wonderful stuff. Also consider his fine, fine Diabelli Variations on Vox. Also I suggest checking out John O'Conor's set. Fantastic! Also Claude Frank has a highly praised set; I may buy this one next (a real bargain).

There are many fine players, so enjoy the search through these piano pieces of such incredible character, nobility, beauty, and boldness. They help develop a love of sound and the fine arts.

I love the music but it's difficult to listen to. I have to turn the volume up so high to listen that I hear a lot of background noise over the music. I don't know if it's my system or the recording but I don't have this problem with my other CD's.