Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonatas Nos. 21, 23 & 26 (Emil Gilels)

Information

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

1. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": 1. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": 2. Introduzione (Adagio molto)
3. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": 3. Rondo (Allegretto moderato) -
4. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": 4. Prestissimo
5. Piano Sonata No. 26 in E flat major, Op. 81a - "Les adieux": 1. Das Lebewohl (Adagio - Allegro)
6. Piano Sonata No. 26 in E flat major, Op. 81a - "Les adieux": 2. Abwesenheit (Andante espressivo)
7. Piano Sonata No. 26 in E flat major, Op. 81a - "Les adieux": 3. Das Wiedersehen (Vivacissimamente)
8. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 - "Appassionata": 1. Allegro assai
9. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 - "Appassionata": 2. Andante con moto
10. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 - "Appassionata": 3. Allegro ma non troppo

Emil Gilels, piano
Date: 1972-1974
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/cat/4191622

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Review

Gilels unfailingly conveys a manly strength in his performances of Beethoven’s music. There is a percussive hardness to his tone that is fitting, as well as a softness that is amazing, qualities few other pianists have cultivated as skillfully. And there is always a feeling of power in reserve. The technique is stunning: rhythm is deadly accurate, scales are evenly weighted. But what is truly extraordinary is the lively, leonine quality of the playing, the lava-like flow of thought that is volcanic in its power, but never chaotic. Gilels’ account of the Waldstein has the quintessential energy and gruffness one associates with the work, and his rendition of Les Adieux is among the most potent and imaginative ever captured. The analog recordings, from 1972-74, are solid, dry, and tightly focused.

-- Ted Libbey, author of The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection.

More reviews:
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/beethoven-piano-sonatas-nos-15-and-17
http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-Sonatas-Waldstein-Adieux-Appassionata/dp/B000001G79

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Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. Beethoven is acknowledged as a giant of classical music, and his influence on subsequent generations was profound. His best-known compositions include 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas and 16 string quartets. Many of his most admired works come from the last decade of his life, when he was almost completely deaf.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_van_Beethoven

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Emil Gilels (October 19, 1916 – October 14, 1985) was a Soviet pianist, widely regarded one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Gilels studied at the Odessa Conservatory with Bertha Reingbald, whom he regarded as his true teacher, mentor and lifelong friend. Gilels is universally admired for his superb technical control and burnished tone. His interpretations of the German-Austrian classics formed the core of his extensive repertoire, which range from from Baroque to late Romantic and 20th century. He also performed and recorded chamber music with Leonid Kogan, Mstislav Rostropovich and his daughter Elena.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Gilels

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