"This is one of the lesser stars of my classical CD collection. I find Barenboim's playing rich in elegant technique and warmth. Unlike Brendel, he views Beethoven with a deep emotional richness that is quite apparent throughout the entire sonata cycle. Barenboim shows that he is as comfortable playing Beethoven's early sonatas such as the Pathetique as he is with the later, more complex works like the Hammerklavier. Only Claudio Arrau and Wilhelm Kempff surpass Barenboim's combination of superb technique coupled with warm, passionate performances. Yet Barenboim's Deutsche Grammophon Beethoven sonata cycle is available at a far lower price than either Arrau's or Kempff's."
NOT a first or second or third or fourth choice for this set
Cindy Carrandi | 12/18/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"First the positive:
1. Excellent Sound.
2. Great Beauty of tone.
3. Great price.
4. Many moments of brilliance. (His Pathetique for example).
Now the Negative:
1. Often Lacks Energy.
2. Often Played too slow.
3. Too much Barenboim, not enough Beethoven. (overinterpreted)
To make it clear, I loved his "songs without words" (also on DG), and at first loved this set. With repeated hearings it became clear that the above issues necessitated a replacement. The real problem is consistency, when he's on he's ON, but when he's off, boy is he OFF!
Annie Fisher was recommended by my Music History professor and many others, so I will entrust this glorious music to her. Although over 100 bucks, I now love this music enough to want to have a great set. By the way a complete set by Backhaus is available, as is a cheap two fer of his Beethoven."
Over-Interpreted Beethoven
George Perkins | 03/01/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"If you like in your Beethoven:
1. Slower tempos.
2. More rubato.
3. Beautiful Tone.
4. More depth.
5. Less Intensity.
6. Digital Sound.
Then this is probably the set for you.
If you don't, then PLEASE try Gulda's set for about $25 dollars less on Brilliant Classics. His tone is nice but he doesn't have any of the above qualities. I have both of these sets and like about a third of Barenboims interpretations, while I enjoy more than two thirds of Gulda's."
A fresh approach
the psychologist | The Netherlands | 07/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful fresh approach of yhis great work. A recording from 1984 but the sound is great and the interpretation new, a sometimes getting used to (a bit), but all in all a must have in your collection. Barenboim proves he can handle Beethoven. To summarize: good prize, better quality!"
Elegant & Sophistcated Beethoven
Scriabinmahler | UK | 09/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Being used to heavy weight renditions of Beethoven Sonatas by Russian masters like Richter, Gilels, Vedernikov, Neuhaus, at first listening I had an impression that Barenboim's Beethoven is a little too light-weight, especially earlier sonatas, but after repeated listening I was quite taken by the noble beauty and delicacy of his playing. Waldstein, Moonlight & Pathetique Sonatas are exceptionally well played with refinement and inspiration.
Only thing I can not stand in this set is Appassionata Sonata played like Chopin Nocturne, which made me nearly fall asleep! I like unpredictable and uncompromising Beethoven played with extreme contrasts by Richter and Gilels, but Barenboim's interpretation was a revelation and quite refreshing experience to listen to this set."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1![Beethoven: Piano Sonatas [Box Set]](https://nationalbookswap.com/cd//l/67/9667/6069667.jpg)