Customer Reviews

BEETHOVEN:PIANO SONATAS

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD contains some of Beethoven's greatest work. Many peole recognize the famous Moonlight Sonata and The Pathetique. But who can forget Les Adieux and the Appassionata which were wrote in Beethoven's later years when his hearing was almost completely gone. It is remarkable that someone can compose such great music without being able to hear it. All of Beethovens music has such an emotional depth to it unlike anothers' in the time preceeding him. His famous quote "There are many dukes but only on Beethoven." Shows that he was unique and unlike anyother which is shown through these great sonatas and all of his other works. The performer is also outstanding. He was one of the greatest pianists of all times making his debut at the age of eleven and in his aging his music only getting better. As a pianist myself I like to refer to Artur Rubinstein's playings, because just like Beethoven he has a unique quality to him. His interpretations are unprecedented. He keeps the meaning of the song and also adds his own emotions to it. All of Rubinsteins recordings have a high level of artistic and technical quality to them. I encourage you to buy this CD but also other CD's with Rubinstein playing. You'll enjoy the style that is so unique in Artur Rubinstein.

When such impacting music is played so delicately, the result is almost breathtaking. The music seems to flow in gentle harmony with one's soul, intertwining the two in a complimentary dance of beauty and rhythm. To hear and enjoy is certainly well worth one's time, but to hear and feel is an experience reserved for the divine.

Rubinstein was one of the great pianists of the 20th century; and as such, he was able to play with a distinct style: natural, graceful, always with great poise and ease. To me, he is like Yehudi Menhuin on the violin. His Moonlight sonata is especially magnificent for that stylistic reason, and it is amazing to hear him pull of the technically difficult passages with such a natural touch.

But then, his graceful ease is also his downfall for me. That prevents me from going back to his recording again and again and thus giving it a 4 instead of 5. I like my Beethoven fiery and passionate, perhaps a little idiosyncratic. For this reason, I do think that the interpretations of players like Schnabel, whose highly personal and passionate performance of Beethoven led to an association of his own name with the composer's, are worth a try before you commit to this one. I also like Arrau's warmth in his performances. And if you like a deeply thought-out Beethoven, Kempff makes a great choice.

Just to clarify: I do not play the piano personally, so my insight into this recording (or my recommendations) is by no means on authoratative grounds, either technical or interpretive. To people who like Rubinstein's style, the recording will be a delight - although they probably have these recordings already.

As a concert pianist of many years, I would just like to say that this CD is something amazing. The collection of artwork on this CD is one that all can enjoy. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is by far one of the most fascinating pieces of music. I only wish that everyone could appreciate the magnificance of this musical prodigy.

This collection of sonatas by Beethoven is excellent. Mr. Rubenstein does an excellent job of rendering the mood of all of these songs from Moonlight Sonata to Pathetique. Many praises to both.

This records Beethoven with Rubinstein is a must for all musiclovers

I have just listened to classical music less than two years ago. It is relaxing, yet timeless. I myself need to be educated on classical music. I don't believe too many people my age or my race are as in tune with classical music as we should be. I am a 24 year old African-American who is a college student and a born again Christian. There is a spirituality with some of classical music and I believe that classical music can be enjoyed by anyone.