Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven [Box set, Collector's Edition]

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Colin Davis (Conductor), BBC Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Stephen Bishop Kovacevich (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Stephen Bishop Kovacevich
• Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Colin Davis
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (March 15, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set, Collector's Edition
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B000654OV0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,554 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterly performances by the young Stephen Kovacevich, January 23, 2009

By 

Stephen Campbell (Dandenong Ranges, VIC Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven (Audio CD)

This box set bring together all Stephen Kovacevich's Beethoven recordings for Philips - recorded during his thirties - in a 6 cd set.
All these recordings - made during the '70s - were considered amongst the finest ever made and they have rarely been subsequently equaled, let alone surpassed. The sound of the recordings is still very good.
One of the most thoughtful, improvisatory and original pianists, Kovacevich went on to record a very fine and highly praised set of complete sonatas for EMI, but these earlier performances were, in some ways, superior. There was a simplicity and timelessness to many of his earlier recordings which is particulary compelling.
Listen the 3rd mvt adagio of Piano Sonata No.28 in A, Op.101 (on cd4) for an exceptional sense of inner stillness.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing lacking, April 20, 2011

By 

D. Garcia "cordedpoodle" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven (Audio CD)

Great sound great performance. I originally bought these separately on 3 disks on the strength of the old Penguin classical review book. They all got very high ratings and were being sold at discount prices. I believe the 3rd and 5th got "floret" ratings which was Penguins rating reserved for extra special recordings. In any case I've not been able to find anything I like more. There are spots where Kovacevich plays arpeggios in such a way they seem to transcend notes. I can't explain it with words but when I listen to others I remember his sound as superior, floating, shimmering.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Beethoven concertos, November 19, 2008

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Sherman Lambert - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven (Audio CD)

There have been several excellent records of Beethoven's piano concertos. Leon Fleisher with Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra is a classic and Barenboim's work is highly acclaimed. Nontheless I found the Kovacevich collection flawless. This is the last Beethoven's piano recording I'll buy.