Customer Reviews

Piano Sonatas 4 22 23 & 25

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

 

 

I am a HUGE fan of Kovacevich, but have to admit that I was disappointed by this CD - esp. the "Appassionata". I really expected him to "let loose" on this most ferocious of sonatas, but instead we get a measured performance that lacks both the dramatic intensity of Gillels, Richter and Horowitz and the rhythmic elan of Kempff.

Kovacevich is clearly high up there among the best contemporary interpreters of Beethoven, but this disc is a bit disappointing in comparison with some of his other recent work (esp. for instance the disc with ##21/24/31). Whereas Kovacevich's Waldstein (#21) was overwhelming, the Appassionata here doesn't have nearly the same effect.

Gilels is high up on my list of Appasionatas and also has a very convincing #4; Kempff is I think more effective in ##22 and 25.

My friend presented me with this CD as a gift. Kovacevich is well known as a Beethovan interpreter, already shown in the early Phillips days and confirmed now in his EMI series, showing that his control and above all understanding of these work is at the top of any short-list. All in all, those wanting a modern version of these 2 sonatas need look no further.