Recommendation - Complete Beethoven Sonatas

Read the mixed review of ARTUR SCHNABEL. Any more?

eldragon12-08-2003 4:42pm

newbee Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,768 posts 12-08-2003 at 06:50pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete For the entire set on CD's I think I'd go for Brendel or Goode. Both have an excellent grasp of these sonatas, and both received excellent reviews. My prime choice woould be Goode.
sugarbrie Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,854 posts 12-08-2003 at 07:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I would also lean towards Goode over Brendel just between the two. Is it possible to say that Brendel's playing is many times "too perfect" ? You might also be able to piece together a set separately by Murray Perahia. For other "historic" recordings you can probably piece together an almost complete set by Solomon or Richter.
swklein Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 136 posts 12-08-2003 at 08:35pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Another nod for Goode. Although in ultimate terms I prefer Schnabel and Kempf, the fidelity is pretty low on those (1930's and mid-50s respectively) I admire Brendel a great deal, but his set(s) are pretty rigorous and intellectual-- not perhaps the only one(s) to have if you're having only one. Goode is excelllent all around, and is recorded wonderfully. You could live happily ever after.