Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Vladimir Ashkenazy by now has become an elder statesman of classical piano playing. This two-CD set presents his 1970s recordings of seven of the most familiar Beethoven piano sonatas. The performances are technically impeccable and solidly mainstream in their interpretive bent--no weirdnesses or surprises here. This is not to say there isn't plenty of interest and beauty--Ashkenazy's rendition of the hackneyed first movement of the "Moonlight" Sonata, for example, is masterly in its tonal control, while the stormy finale works up quite a head of steam without ever becoming messy or headlong. Similarly, the pianist handles passages in the "Les Adieux" Sonata that most pianists stumble on or muddle through with enviable clarity, if with not quite as much sheer joy in the finale. The same sureness of technique and taste marks all of these performances, and there's certainly nothing wrong with consistency. If it's a little churlish to wish for a bit more excitement, even hysteria in places like the coda to the first movement of the Appassionata, then I'll admit to being a churl. Nevertheless, this is a recording I'd give to piano students to let them hear how Beethoven should be played. The remastered sound is clear but a bit percussive at the loud end of the dynamic spectrum.

I wonder if the people who wrote negative reviews about this CD really understood Beethoven. Have you heard any of his symphonies? Beethoven is about dynamism! Maybe they should stick with Mozart.
Ashkenazy gave a flawless performance. And technically the CD is very well recorded, fully exploiting the dynamic range available on the CD format, very finely mastered.
I consider this a golden classic worth collecting.

Beethoven was a dynamic man who never failed to hold back his
volatile temperament. He was not even tempered with even his
closest associates,relatives and music publishers. These facts
are unanimously noted by all the great Beethoven biographers, both past and present. Too not expect Beethoven's temperament
too pervade his music, especially pieces as personal as his
piano sonatas, is to be mistaken. Ashkenazy recognizes and keeps
Beethoven's emotional nature in his playing of these sonatas. Of
course, we dont know EXACTLY how Beethoven would have played these works, but to think he would not have played them in an
emotionally charged manner, with rising and subsiding waves of
emotion would be to misinterpret the composer. I fully expect
to be jolted by loud playing after very soft playing, etc., and
would never expect Beethoven to have played in a consistent dynamic level throughout his pieces. I base this on what we can
read of the great Beethoven in his bigraphies and his own personal notebooks. So, for those of you who are just discovering
Beethoven's music, dont be put off by those reviews that diminish
the importance of individual playing style,temporal niceties and
having to adjust your volume control. Ashkenazy plays the quiet passages quietly, and the charged passages emotionally, just
as Beethoven wrote them. If, afterall, we are looking for consistency of piano technique throughout, we can always listen
to Haydn.

This compilation highlights Beethoven's most famous sonatas of his 32 that he composed. I especially like 'Les Adieux.' Ashkenazy is my favorite pianist. He is my favorite because his performances are 99.99% of the time FLAWLESS. His interpretations, in my opinion, are top notch, cannot be beaten. Even though some say that he is a better Chopin or Mozart performer than a Beethoven, I beg to differ. His style, in my opinion, is much more suited to Beethoven, and it shows through in this compilation. This is a must buy for any Beethoven or piano lover.

Of the 32 Piano Sonata's composed by Beethoven this two CD set includes 7 of the best pieces of a most influential corpus of work. These are stunningly recorded and they are arranged to provide the listener with a dynamic experience. Interestingly the composition of the Sonata's began only a decade after Mozart. Juxtaposing the two composers we can readily see the split between the 18th and 19th centuries. Beethoven's work is solidly in the 19th century style with the technical and romantic sentiments of this period well expressed in these sonatas. We can see this turn towards romanticism in the titles of the pieces like "tempest" and "Pathetique" oh and of course "Moonlight" are evocative to say the least. Beethoven also really "pushed the envelope" in respect to exploring the limits of the piano in range and technique. The piano forte, was truly a revolutionary keyboard instrument, and although other keyboards had beeen around for ceturies, it wasnt until the piano that the keyboard could be so versatile - and loud enough to be the only instrument on stage.

The 2cd set here, which is reasonably priced for very well recorded music, is a definite must-own for any small classical music collection. Buying this set is worth it simply for the Moonlight Sonata but all of the other pieces are terrific as well. Providing great music to work to or enjoy by your self and with others, Beethoven's sonatas are great pieces and this set is surely to please all who purchase.

Ted Murena

It is simply that something in me was listening for something else through all the other pianists I heard over the years when they played Beethoven. What I heard was this man or that playing Beethoven. What I wanted to hear was Beethoven. When I heard Ashkenazy's Moonlight Sonata, there it was! The pulse- the sound of Beethoven's heartbeat- I don't know how to say it...I immediately bought the set and his Beethoven concertos as well, and have not been disappointed. He has provided me with the direct line...!!!

This double CD is exquisite. Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Beethoven with sensitivity and dynamic intensity. The quality of the CD is excellent, the playing sublime, and the value outstanding.

This double CD has quickly become one of my favorites. I originally heard it on the local NPR classical stations, bought the CD here, and love it!

I just can't think of a single deficiency in the CD. I think this is just an excellent CD at any price; at the price here, it is a real bargain.

On this 2 CD set, Ashkenazy plays some of Beethoven's more famous sonatas. His tempo and dynamics are so unbelievable. Many of Beethoven's works require the pianist to quickly change speeds or dynamics, and Ashkenazy never fails to miss a mark. His playing could bring one to tears. The only reason I didn't give this CD 5 stars was that, throughout the CD, Ashkenazy fails to count. Though one is supposed to have different tempo levels, he plays everything ribato, so you can't really figure out when he's going to play the next note. However, the good things about this CD greatly outnumbered the bad things. This would certainly be something to buy!!

Vladimir Ashkenazy brings his own interpertation of some of the greatest piano pieces ever written, all by one man; Beethoven. Using a pure grand piano, what we have is a recording truly from another world. Ranging from Sonata # 8, which can make your heart skip, to 'Moonlight' Sonata, which can make your heart break, Ashkenazy is truly worthy of playing the music of a true genius.

Ashenazy powers through these Sonatas in a manner such that I imagine the irascible old Ludwig himself would have loved. My favorite (by far) is no. 8, all three movements. Ashkenazy's interpretive moves through the range of dynamics in the piece always brings a smile to my face. I have listened to it dozens of times and still turn to it when driving, especially in heavy traffic - with the windows up, the volume at the max my ears can tolerate, I find myself not really caring how slow the world is moving outside my little cocoon.

Good price... great value.