Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 13, 14 & 15, Opp. 27:1-2, 28

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Several years ago I heard about half of the Pastoral sonata from this album on the radio, and it startled and haunted me until I recently got my own copy. Pollini's playing is pure pleasure; a lovely blend of aggressiveness and restraint; each note so gorgeously expressed it can be practically hugged and enjoyed simply for itself. This playing is unique and not to be missed!!

There is much to enjoy in Pollini's ongoing Beethoven cycle on DG, the most famous set being the late sonatas recorded in the '70s and the most recent a welcome double album including both a studio and live version of the "Appassionata" (he has done the concertos and "Waldstein" twice as well). As other reviewers have noted, this version of the "Moonlight" sonata stands among the best, but the other sonata quasi una fanatasia is just as persuasive, if not more so. The "Pastoral" on this disc strikes me as most convincing in its well-judged phrasing, natural pace, and warm tone--recommended without reservation.

I bought this CD years ago, loved it, but gave it away when I bought a complete set of Beethoven Sonatas by Brendel. BIG mistake! Although Brendel is a fine performer, this disk by Pollini is one for the ages and the other version just was not the same. I recently bought this disk again and have been reminded how much I love it.

I think this is my favorite solo piano CD.

Maurizio Pollini has to be one of the finest pianists ever. I swear the man has 3 hands. His technique is incredible, yet it doesn't outweigh the emotion necessary when it comes to performing. This disc is amazing.

I always had a recording of the moonlight Sonata, I felt the best: Arthur Rubinstein!

Meanwhile, excited about the record that Pollini made of the last Beethoven's sonatas, I decided to buy this CD out of curiosity.

What a surprise! Rubinstein now has a competitor's time!

And what about the Pastoral Sonata? I have heard this beautiful music with Gilels, Annie Fischer, Sokolov, Brendel, Richter, Kempff. But this recording of Pollini is, without doubt, the best!

One of the best versions of the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata. Very dramatic and almost painful.

Pollini is undoubtedly one of world's best Beethoven performers. His version of the Moonlight Sonata surpasses even that of Wilhelm Kempf's.
I also adore what he did with Sonata 13, esp. the Allegro molto.

Pollini's 13th Sonata just isn't quite right. The syncopation in the unique middle movement is sophomoric. I might get used to it, but I try to avoid it. Brendel's interpretation is better. Even Glenn Gould (not known as the go-to man for Beethoven) sounds more appropriate and much more interesting.
The final movement of the 14th doesn't have the pace and power of Brendel either.