Search - Beethoven, Wilhelm Backhaus :: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 8, 14, 15, 17, 21, 23, 26 [Germany]

Historic recordings by a legendary pianist

J. Gillon | North Carolina | 02/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The veteran Beethovenian Wilhelm Backhaus (b. 1884, just two years after Schnabel) was in his mid 70s when the earliest of these wonderful stereo recordings was made in 1959. so what we get in this two-disc set is a rare, hi-fi glimpse of a prolific and legendary performer with 19th century roots and a ton of 20th century experience. Backhaus rewards his listeners with a mature, even autumnal artistic sensibility which suffers no corresponding lack of youthful vibrancy. I would describe these as authoritative performances. Nice sound, too.



Incidentally, in my set, Disc 1 is mislabeled Disc 2, and vice-versa. This minor glitch notwithstanding, the set earns my most enthusiastic recommendation!



Listen and understand."