Search - Beethoven, Horszowski :: Piano Works

Beethoven, Horszowski
Piano Works
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (4) - Disc #1
1. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major ('Hammerklavier'), Op. 106: Allegro
2. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major ('Hammerklavier'), Op. 106: Scherzo, Assai vivace
3. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major ('Hammerklavier'), Op. 106: Adagio sostenuto, Appassionato e on molto sentimento
4. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major ('Hammerklavier'), Op. 106: Largo, Allegro risoluto / Fuga
Track Listings (5) - Disc #2
1. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109: Vivace, ma non troppo
2. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109: Prestissimo
3. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109: Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo, Gesangvoll, mi innigster Empfindung
4. Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111: Maestoso / Allegro con brio ed appassionato
5. Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111: Arietta, Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

CD Details

All Artists: Beethoven, Horszowski
Title: Piano Works
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Vox (Classical)
Release Date: 11/4/1992
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Romantic (c.1820-1910)
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 047163550027

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Mieczyslaw Horszowski, who lived to be 100, was a great artist who made many superb recordings, some of the best when he was in his 90s. But he never had the technique to play the Hammerklavier Sonata (No. 29), and his frequent struggles with the music prevent him from being able to give a convincing performance. The other two sonatas are also difficult, giving the pianist some shaky moments, but he still manages to achieve meaningful interpretations. At the very low price, the set may be worth having, though these are not Horszowski's greatest recordings and the 1951 sound quality is only fair. --Leslie Gerber

CD Reviews

A Great Tradition which is Now Lost

BLee | HK | 02/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Contrary to the editorial review, this is one of the best Hammerklavier around. And I say that with Arrau or even Backhaus in mind, not to mention Gulda, Gilels or Brendel. And I regret to say that I still don't have sufficient time for Ashkenazy or the like.
His Sonata No. 30 is, moreover, much better than the one recorded in the 70's: much more energetic and more artisitically imaginative as a whole. Surprising enough, the recording in the 50 is so very nice, which is by far better than the one recorded in 70.
BUT, if you have your ears well tuned to mechanical interpretations on just some musical notes instead of music. Further more, if you are indifferent to poetry at all, then these sonatas are not for you. Otherwise, don't miss it."