Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Jenö Jandó (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Jenö Jandó
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (June 30, 1992)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B0000013J4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,828 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The first thing to know is that Pathétique; does not mean "pathetic," but rather "moody" or "dramatic." That's exactly what Beethoven's music is, and if you don't recognize the slow movement as a pop standard, then you haven't been conscious for the last 20 years or so. The second important fact is that this particular trio of sonatas has become the Beethoven pianist's calling card. Everyone plays them, and there are millions of versions to choose from. The third and final thing you should know is that even if this disc were not available at a budget price, the performances would all be strongly recommended. Jando is an excellent Beethoven pianist, and his sonata cycle stands among the best. --David Hurwitz

Product Description

Piano Sonatas, Volume 1 CD.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jando - Passion, Precision, and Humility, January 5, 2003

By 

Kieran C (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

I have been a Beethoven fan since childhood from listening to my mother play the Fur Elise and Moonlight sonatas. When it came time to begin collecting Beethoven piano sonata performances on CD, initially the sheer volume of those available overwhelmed me. I thought it best to start off with the more well-known and loved sonatas, and thankfully the Naxos label had just what I was looking for. I purchased this CD on solely upon hearing Jando's performance of Adagio Cantabile (Pathetique) - a performance of which is so full of melancholy, and resignation that it almost brought me to tears. It is a joy to hear Jando bring to the music of Beethoven exactly what it deserves and demands - passion, precision, and above all humility. Highly recommended.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

This is one of the absolute best interpretations of Beethoven's most popular piano sonatas I have heard. I have heard some other renditions of these works but this holds its own against any. My personal favorite is the third movement of the "Appasionata" which Jandó concludes with a brilliant flurry. A super work in every way.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific introduction to the Beethoven Piano Sonatas., May 11, 2011

By 

Leeber Cohen (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

This review is being written for those readers who are lost about which recording to choose from among the hundreds of available performances of the Beethoven piano sonatas. This disc includes three of the most popular sonatas. It includes the Pathetique, Moonlight, and Appassionata. They are often grouped together on disc. Jando is an excellent pianist who has recorded extensively for Naxos. This disc is not expensive particularly at the secondary sellers. If you enjoy this performance you may want to consider obtaining a complete box set. There are many pianists to choose from. I would seriously consider Claude Franke on Music and Arts and Gulda on Decca. You will find fans of many other pianists. The Schnabel performances are wonderful but the sound very dated. Kempff go for the mono versions over the stereo, Brendel-The Vox recordings also available on Brilliant Classics are variable in recording quality but display a young virtuoso with a lot of fire. The later Philips sets become progressively more cerebral. This is not a bad progression particularly in the late sonatas.Others will swear allegiance to other pianists such as Backhaus,Ashkenazy,Arrau, Baremboim. This is a very incomplete list of the many complete boxes.Incomplete cycles are available by Solomon, Richter, Gilels and numerous other great musicians.These sonatas and recordings can become quite addictive. They are one of the great joys of life. This first disc in the Jando cycle is a great place to start. You might want to listen to Volume 4 next which contains the last three sonatas. Incredible music well performed. If you want to explore further buy a complete box. I happen to love Franke and Gulda. Very different musicians both incredible.