Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Taub :: Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

Robert Taub's playing of Beethoven Sonatas is revelatory.

Big fan | 09/22/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been privileged to hear Robert Taub several times in concert, and find that he alwyas has something new and interesting to express. I am glad to know, therefore, of his VOX recordings of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas. Like Brendel, who also recorded Beethoven for VOX, Taub brings a keen intelligence. But in these recordings, Taub seems to impart something more - perhaps a more subtle turn of phrase, a more gentle gesture, even a greater sense of humor but a more urgent sense of drama.Taub's performance of the Appassionata Sonata here is a treasure unto itself. His taut rhythmic control of the first movement makes on feel "on the edge"; rarely has a performance of this work been so impassioned. But yet his performances of Op.54 and also Op.31 no.3 are full of good humor. The Scherzo movement of the latter is taken at a brisk pace, but Taub clearly has everything in control. The effect is as if hearing the piece afresh.On the first of the 2 CDs in this set, Op.7 is played with the fervor of youthful Beethoven, but Op.90 brings to it a feeling of lonliness and resignation which Taub explains in his excellent program notes. The two Sonatas Op.49 are treated as "real music" (as opposed to simply "Sonatinas"), and are lovely to listen to.All in all, this 2-CD set is highly recommended. The recording was made in Wolfensohn Hall at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ (where they are fortunate to have Taub as Artist-in-Residence), and is superb. There is no doubt that Robert Taub brings something very special to this music. I await the remaining volumes in this Beethoven cycle with avid interest."

The Best

Big fan | California | 10/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed these CDs immensely. I listen in my car, while I work and at home. Of all the Beethoven recordings I have, these played by Robert Taub are the best. His playing is beautiful and technically brilliant. I have done blind tests for my friends--Robert Taub's Beethoven versus Brendel. Everyone picks Taub's version. They make guesses that it's Horowitz or Pollini or someone like that. If you don't know Taub, it's time you did. This guy's playing is amazing!"