Beethoven: Sonata,Op.27,No.2 / Franck: Prelude, choral et fugue / Brahms: Paganini Variations ~ Kissin

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Cesar Franck (Composer), Johannes Brahms (Composer), Evgeny Kissin (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Evgeny Kissin
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, Cesar Franck, Johannes Brahms
• Audio CD (March 10, 1998)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B0000064YB
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,659 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #64 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Fugues

Track Listings

1. Sonata Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight' in C Sharp: Adagio sostenuto

2. Sonata Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight' in C Sharp: Allegretto

3. Sonata Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight' in C Sharp: Presto agitato

4. Prelude, choral et fugue: Prelude

5. Prelude, choral et fugue: Choral

6. Prelude, choral et fugue: Fugue

7. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Theme

8. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation I

9. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation II

10. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation III

11. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation IV

12. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation V

13. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation VI

14. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation VII

15. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation VIII

16. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation IX

17. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation X

18. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation XI

19. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book 1: Variation XII

20. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 Book1: Variation XIII

See all 35 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

A wizard of technical control since his prodigy days, Kissin simply uses this as a foundation to probe the depths of such core repertory items as the ones on this collection. It takes a truly subtle musicality and grasp to make the endlessly recorded Moonlight sound fresh, but Kissin has the goods, pulling the carpet from underneath and making you really notice, with his unsentimental, steady tempo, how unsettling Beethoven's harmonic fluctuations are in a first movement of startling inwardness. Kissin allows the middle minuet to blossom within the sonata's larger nightscape, while he pushes the finale's cri de coeur to its heaven-storming edge. He likewise traces the late-19th-century gothic labyrinth of Franck's Prelude, Choral et Fugue with an absorbing blend of delicacy and power. But the real highlight of this disc is the gloriously brilliant intensity Kissin brings to the Brahms Paganini Variations. Listen to how he parades a dizzying, dazzling series of moods--from caressing introspection and bone-crunching, steely chords to the giddy cross-rhythms of Book II, Variation 7--to match Brahms's magnitude of invention. This is pianism of the first order. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best 'Kissin to date, June 20, 1999

By 

Alex Serrano (Perrysburg, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: Sonata,Op.27,No.2 / Franck: Prelude, choral et fugue / Brahms: Paganini Variations ~ Kissin (Audio CD)

I must admit I picked up this cd with a little hesitation. After listening to glorious 'Kissin performances for Russian romantics, I did not feel he had the temperament for Beethoven or Brahms. But, there is no doubt indeed that this is an overwhelming performance. He brings so much excitement to this studio recording that you tend to forget this is a studio atmoshpere. The Beethoven is a marvel of articulation and depth, Franck glows in sound, and Brahms is simply hair rising. No doubt about it, Kissin proves his brilliancy and maturity. What can we expect further along the road?

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Recording!, May 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beethoven: Sonata,Op.27,No.2 / Franck: Prelude, choral et fugue / Brahms: Paganini Variations ~ Kissin (Audio CD)

Before I begin the review I want to explain something. I am a 13 year old boy and untill a few years ago I was into pop music just like most kids are. But one day my mother played me 2 recordings of Evegny Kissin and it changed my life! I am now a devoted classical music fan and attend many concerts. What CD did you here you may ask? Well it was this very one that I am going to review and the CD with the Bach/Busoni Chaccone on it.

Now for the review: I own many versions of the first peice on this CD, The Beethoven "Moonlight Sonata," including Alfred Brandel's and Misha Dicter's, Kissin's is by far the best. The first movment is done very well and Kissin brings out the the melody and harmonys very well! The Second movment is played just as it is called for. Mr. Kissin plays it lightly and has alot of fun with it. And finnaly, the thrid movment is absolutley Brilliant! He Plays it fast and crisply and seems to put the accents in just the right place!

Now I am not the one to Judge the Frank Prelude, Choral et Fugue but I very much enjoyed it.

Paganini Variations are spectacular. I do not think that there has ever been any Pianist that has ever or will play this piece with such Dyamics and power. Its worth it to by this CD for just this Piece Alone!

My Final thoughts are that this CD is one of his best and a good one for first time Kissin listeners, along with the Bach/Busoni Chaccone.

(I hve a review of the Bach/Busoni Chaacone as well)

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal!, May 10, 2000

By 

"tenor_in_training" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: Sonata,Op.27,No.2 / Franck: Prelude, choral et fugue / Brahms: Paganini Variations ~ Kissin (Audio CD)

For many, this recording would be a revelation: the storm of emotions in Moonlight puts Kissin's account in a class of its own, the subtle intensity of Franck's Prelude, Choral and Fugue comes across as a colorful singing narrative, and Brahms's staggering Variations on a Theme of Paganini finally get the involvement and attention they deserve. Kissin is a poet at the piano, but his technique is beyond words - he uses incredible accuracy and tonal clarity as a supporting means of expression. The name that comes to mind of a pianist that possessed this kind of combination is Sviatoslav Richter, however Kissin engages in even more interpretative ventures, making his versions immediately unique.

This CD is a definite jewel; even if you have these pieces on other recordings, I would still recommend you get this one. Interestingly, I think, the program here was arranged with intent. After Beethoven's Presto Agitato literally "shakes your world" one is ready for reflective, sophisticated Franck. And then Brahms's heart stopping Paganini variation will send you on a journey through the world of cascading melodies and intriguing and even whimsical twists and turns. This CD is guarantees to provide hours of listening enjoyment, for every time you play it, there will be something previously undiscovered waiting for you. RCA did a fantastic job of recording: the sound is real and spacious.