Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 (Opp. 31 and 53)

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), András Schiff (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: András Schiff
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (September 25, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ecm Records
• ASIN: B000TLPW5I
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,810 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The release of the fifth volume of András Schiff's complete recordings of the Beethoven piano sonatas marks the start of an incredible musical journey for Mr. Schiff, and his USA concert audiences. On October 3rd, Schiff begins a twoseason tour running through Spring 2009 during which he will perform all 32 sonatas (in chronological order) in four cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Ann Arbor. The sonatas on Volume V, from Beethoven's so called "middle period" (the first years of the 19th century), include the famed "Waldstein" - Sonata No. 21 C major op. 53. Also included is the original slow movement from the "Waldstein," the "Andante favori," which Beethoven later dismissed out of formal considerations. Whether performing Bach, Beethoven, Janácek or Mozart, András Schiff is one of the most heralded and acclaimed pianists of his generation. The New York Times says "Mr. Schiff has been playing for so long with such elegant pianism, consummate artistry and selfless dedication that it is easy to take him for granted." The upcoming Beethoven cycle will surely remind people not to! András Schiff is a native of Hungary and has recorded for ECM since 1997.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beethoven through fresh eyes and ears, October 31, 2007

By 

J. Cegledy "Leschetizky Society - Japan" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 (Opp. 31 and 53) (Audio CD)

Andras Schiff continues his impressive Beethoven Sonatas series. It is characterized by that rare combination of keen sensitivity to musical expression, fidelity to text and meticulous attention to detail. The articulation and lively crispness of execution is a sheer delight. There are many surprising insights that are completely convincing. Of the many great Beethoven Sonatas recordings, this can be most recommended to students as an example of how to bring the text alive without any exaggeration yet with sensitivity and depth of musical expression.

The booklets in this series are of special interest. Andras Schiff shares his outlook and insights on these works and we get a glimpse of how great interpretations evolve. For piano students as well as for lovers of these works, Andras Schiff's Beethoven Sonata series is to be highly recommended!

Janos Cegledy, Tokyo

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Schiff's free Beethoven sonata lectures, March 25, 2008

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Fred Von Lohmann "fvl" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 (Opp. 31 and 53) (Audio CD)

Don't miss Andras Schiff's excellent lectures about Beethoven's sonatas. The perfect accompaniment for this cycle, available for free from the Guardian UK website (google: schiff guardian uk).

5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beethoven Piano Sonatas Opera 31 and 53 - for the Millenium, March 24, 2008

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S. Knappertz "VK" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 (Opp. 31 and 53) (Audio CD)

A recording in the series of all Beethoven Sonatas by Andras Schiff, the current authority both through his extensive scholarship on this subject as well as his dynamic and insightful performances. Impressive are his assured use of the enormous Beethoven intended tempi, off-set by his frequently employed non-legato style, followed by lyrical development sections and dramatic interjections. The almost orchestral passages are played revering the majestic. This series will be the Beethoven Sonata series for the Millenium. Largo con gran expressione!