Amazon.comMurray Perahia, who knows more about music than you or I, endorses this recording as "a most penetrating interpretation." It certainly is. As you listen to Michael Oelbaum play this music, you will learn a great deal about Beethoven's thought processes and the manner in which he constructed this, one of his most elaborate compositions. I don't think you learn as much about the feelings Beethoven wanted to evoke in his listeners, which was probably even more important to Beethoven. That's why I continue to recommend Sviatoslav Richter (Praga PR 254 023). But a masterpiece like this should be heard in more ways than one, and Oelbaum's is a fascinating way. --Leslie Gerber