Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

Nothing I have heard comes close to these!

It is simply that something in me was listening for something else through all the other pianists I heard over the years when they played Beethoven. What I heard was this man or that playing Beethoven. What I wanted to hear was Beethoven. When I heard Ashkenazy's Moonlight Sonata, there it was! The pulse- the sound of Beethoven's heartbeat- I don't know how to say it...I immediately bought the set and his Beethoven concertos as well, and have not been disappointed. He has provided me with the direct line...!!! July 9, 2008

Vladimir plays Ludwig

Vladimir Ashkenazy is known as one of the best pianists of the last century, and he possesses great technique and colour. The interpretations for this Sonatas are ferocious, masterful, and melodic, as Beethoven might have liked. I enjoy and like very much this compilation because the named Sonatas are the most cherished, beloved and awe-inspiring of the whole set. I like Ashkenazy's playing, but it can have more emotional deepness. For example, the second movement of Pathétique is not played Adagio, but much like an Andante. Do I recommend it? Yes, I do. March 28, 2008

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

Good technique and good sound. The CD contains the most known sonatas and it was a hard task to deliver them in a fresh yet traditional form. July 9, 2007

All the essentials on two discs

Other reviewers have written sufficiently on the quality of this purchase; I don't need to add to it, only concur with them that this is a fabulous and inexpensive package. My only criticism is of the sound quality...and maybe the performance of the 14th. It's a minor issue though. No other package that I know of gives the buyer all the essential sonatas on two discs of such high quality. A great buy. May 29, 2007

Pure genius, in composition and in performance

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on classical music, much less on classical music performances, so my reviews represent a newcomer's take on classical CDs. Take that for what it's worth.

This recording of Beethoven's sonatas was the first classical CD I ever bought, and it remains my favorite. The compositions are heart-rending. The performance is excellent. This is an album equally great both for classically-uninitiated and for longtime veterans.

Ashkenazy's performance makes heavy use of dynamics, from near-inaudible pianissimos to shattering fortissimos. Some people may dislike this--it's not an album to pop into your walkman and ignore--but I found that it gave the sonatas a richer emotional resonance. As the piano goes from a quiet, singing tone to harsh clanging, so one's heart follows. This CD (or rather, CDs) is a must-buy.
May 19, 2007

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