"Several years ago I heard about half of the Pastoral sonata from this album on the radio, and it startled and haunted me until I recently got my own copy. Pollini's playing is pure pleasure; a lovely blend of aggressiveness and restraint; each note so gorgeously expressed it can be practically hugged and enjoyed simply for itself. This playing is unique and not to be missed!!"
Not to be overlooked
Anthony S. | Chicago, IL USA | 03/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is much to enjoy in Pollini's ongoing Beethoven cycle on DG, the most famous set being the late sonatas recorded in the '70s and the most recent a welcome double album including both a studio and live version of the "Appassionata" (he has done the concertos and "Waldstein" twice as well). As other reviewers have noted, this version of the "Moonlight" sonata stands among the best, but the other sonata quasi una fanatasia is just as persuasive, if not more so. The "Pastoral" on this disc strikes me as most convincing in its well-judged phrasing, natural pace, and warm tone--recommended without reservation."
Pollini is king
S. Heinen | 08/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maurizio Pollini has to be one of the finest pianists ever. I swear the man has 3 hands. His technique is incredible, yet it doesn't outweigh the emotion necessary when it comes to performing. This disc is amazing."
Fabulous!
S. Heinen | Tulsa, OK United States | 10/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD years ago, loved it, but gave it away when I bought a complete set of Beethoven Sonatas by Brendel. BIG mistake! Although Brendel is a fine performer, this disk by Pollini is one for the ages and the other version just was not the same. I recently bought this disk again and have been reminded how much I love it.
I think this is my favorite solo piano CD."
The Best Pastoral
Maria S. G. Santos | BRA | 06/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I always had a recording of the moonlight Sonata, I felt the best: Arthur Rubinstein!
Meanwhile, excited about the record that Pollini made of the last Beethoven's sonatas, I decided to buy this CD out of curiosity.
What a surprise! Rubinstein now has a competitor's time!
And what about the Pastoral Sonata? I have heard this beautiful music with Gilels, Annie Fischer, Sokolov, Brendel, Richter, Kempff. But this recording of Pollini is, without doubt, the best!"