Beethoven: Cello Sonatas Nos. 3, 4 & 5 / (12) Variations, Opp. 69, 102:1,2; WoO 45 [Import]

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Martha Argerich (Performer), Mischa Maisky (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (September 1, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Dg Imports
• ASIN: B000001GI2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #350,638 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This CD can be considered somewhat rare now. Sale is for the disc and front inside insert only,

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic music making, June 23, 2008

By 

Michael J. Hooper - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beethoven: Cello Sonatas Nos. 3, 4 & 5 / (12) Variations, Opp. 69, 102:1,2; WoO 45 (Audio CD)

This is a fantastic disc. The playing is beyond description so, true to my word, I will say no more. In addition, the quality of the recording is sensational. The fact that this is the first review would seem to suggest a relative lack of interest in this disc. If so, those of you who have not heard it yet are in for a treat.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another first-rate Beethoven disc from Maisky and Argerich, February 5, 2011

By 

jt52 "jt52" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beethoven: Cello Sonatas Nos. 3, 4 & 5 / (12) Variations, Opp. 69, 102:1,2; WoO 45 (Audio CD)

After a revelatory experience with the DG recording of Beethoven's two Op. 5 Cello Sonatas by Mischa Maisky and Martha Argerich, I was compelled to buy the second disc they made which features the Op. 69 A major sonata and the two Op. 102 sonatas. This disc is excellent in every respect.

The op. 69 sonata is probably my favorite cello sonata outside of the Debussy sonata, with a warm, inspiring opening allegro and a syncopated scherzo following. Just a beautiful work, it dates from 1808, in the later stages of the composer's "middle" period. Beethoven went through a combined personal and artistic crisis in the early 1810s and his work slowed down. He experienced a shattering romantic disappointment and emerged from the deep, ensuing depression in 1813, 1814 and 1815 by writing several bombastic, popular and financial renumerative pieces which are less esteemed than most of his other music. The Op. 102 sonatas mark his return to a more personal, subtle style, and I'd describe them as difficult, at times eccentric music. In particular, I've always found the Op. 102 no. 2 sonata in C to be maybe the strangest work from Beethoven's pen, based on the old (and very good) Pablo Casals recording. Maisky and Argerich actually smooth out this last sonata and their performance flows more than the Casals. The disc also contains a set of variations on a Handel theme.

The two performers turn in a truly excellent rendition. I'd describe it as unconstrained, very musical and just plain exciting. The recording sonics, like the disc with the Op. 5 sonatas, are first class. In sum, consistently all-around excellence.