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Beethoven - Piano Sonatas Vol.V

£21.79

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Label: ECM New Series

Cat No: 4766186

Barcode: 0028947661863

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 2

Genre: Instrumental

Release Date: 24th September 2007

Works

Beethoven, Ludwig van

Andante favori in F, WoO57
Piano Sonata no.16 in G major, op.31 no.1
Piano Sonata no.17 in D minor, op.31 no.2 'Tempest'
Piano Sonata no.18 in E flat major, op.31 no.3 'The Hunt'
Piano Sonata no.21 in C major, op.53 'Waldstein'

Artists

Andras Schiff (piano)

Works

Beethoven, Ludwig van

Artists

Andras Schiff (piano)

About

Volume V of András Schiff’s much acclaimed live Beethoven cycle in chronological order offers four masterworks from the so-called “middle period” ie the first years of the 19th century, when among other groundbreaking compositions, the “Eroica” Symphony was written. Like all Schiff’s Beethoven recitals, it was played on a Bösendorfer (op. 31) and a Steinway grand (op. 53).

Op. 31 is the last group of three piano sonatas under one opus number in Beethoven’s oeuvre, once again highlighting the composer’s genius in creating very differently shaped works at the same time.

Schiff emphasizes the special character of Op 53: “The ‘Waldstein’ is certainly an overwhelming work that was not only of great significance to the composer, but also occupies a special place in the history of piano music. Its spatial dimensions are enormous, only exceeded later by those of the ‘Hammerklavier’ sonata. Furthermore, Beethoven takes a giant stride forwards in respect of new-found pianistic sonorities, at the same time creating a huge ‘tone-poem’”.

In the Zurich recital recorded live for this CD, Schiff added the original slow movement from the ‘Waldstein’, the Andante favori (which Beethoven later dismissed out of formal considerations), as an encore. “It was like a salute from another world” said a Swiss critic after the concert in December 2005.

There has been critical praise for all four albums to date: “Stimulating and provocative…a magnificent release” (BBC Music Magazine’s 5-star review for Volume 4).

The lavish booklet includes an illuminating interview with András Schiff.

Live recording from Zurich’s Town Hall, produced by Manfred Eicher.