Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Annie Fischer :: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Vol. 2

Brilliant, Inspired, Pure Magic

grandpiano_57 | Burlington, CT USA | 11/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been hunting for recordings of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas that express the imagery and magic of this music. Brendel is consistent, Gould is quirky, at times brilliant, Kovacevich is solid, Scnabel is a standard bearer, Goode is magnificent at times. The Annie Fischer renditions however are the closest to musical perfection that I could have ever hoped for. This CD is worth every penny for the soaring rendition of the Pathetique. If you don't feel the piano actually lifting off when this sensitive and expressive virtuoso gives her all in this colossal recording, then I don't know what would ever move you. It is humbling to realize she never consented to the release of these recordings over which she worked on for over 15 years. I am so pleased that they have been offered to the public. I immediately, after hearing this, bought the entire 9 volume series! I cannot recommend this more highly."

Eureka!

Craig T. Niedzielski | Jacksonville, Florida United States | 12/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was Artur Schnabel who claimed this music was better than could ever be played. After 30 years of collecting, having listened to all the greats perform this endlessly fascinating oeuvre, I would tend to agree: virtually every pianist has left room for just a little more something. Otherwise why bother collecting hundreds of performances of these vital pieces? There is always something missing that compels one to keep searching.Until now. I can tell you from my heart that, virtually without fail, every movement of every one of these sonatas had me out of my seat, fist in the air, shouting "Brava!" These are, for me, the most satisfying performances of any music in the whole range of music. Not only are they, as the notes attest, peerless, they are priceless.All who brought these recordings to fruition are to be deeply thanked. I have to think that Beethoven himself could not but smile, were he to hear these wonderful performances. Playing like this cannot have happened since he was alive.To the memory of Annie Fischer, and to the kind folks at Hungaroton: Bravissima!"