Search - Beethoven, Arrau :: 32 Piano Sonatas / Eroica Variations

A testimonial

Carl | Iowa | 03/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review is primarily a very hearty second to the review above by Huibert Jonkers.



I do not have as much musical expertise as those who normally review recordings like this, like Mr. Jonkers. My views are mostly based on my experience living with this music over a period of many years.



Over the last 20 years, I have owned and listened to 8 or 9 integral sets of the Beethoven piano sonatas. I whittled them down to three 'keepers:' recordings by Artur Schnabel, Alfred Brendel and Claudio Arrau. All three have very special virtues in my opinion and I recommend all three heartily.



Of these three, I listen to Arrau the most and derive the deepest and most consistent pleasure and uplift. And I tend to linger longer over Arrau's recordings than I do over the work of the other artists, though I love them dearly. After nearly twenty years of owning this recording, I still find listening to it a rare and deeply rewarding experience."