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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas: No. 7 in D, Op. 10, No. 3; No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique); No. 13 in E Flat, Op. 27, No. 1;

cover of Beethoven: Piano Sonatas: No. 7 in D, Op. 10, No. 3; No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique); No. 13 in E Flat, Op. 27, No. 1;asin: B00004W9CI
binding: Audio CD
list price: $25.98 USD
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Solomon's brilliant interpretations of four of Beethoven's most popular piano sonatas make for an irresistible disc. His graceful, aristocratic style brings each piece to life. Lest you associate "grace" and "aristocratic" with brittle, small-scale playing, be advised that Solomon's energetic playing and his unerring choice of tempo and dynamic relationships fully convey the power and beauty of these great works. Listen to the way he sustains the deep emotions of the opening of the "Moonlight" without wallowing in it, or the way the unadorned simplicity of his phrasing of the Largo movement of the Sonata No. 7 strikes at the heart. Fast movements bristle with agitated energy, but always within a classical framework--Solomon does not turn Beethoven into a late-19th century composer. Within that frame, he gives us the whole man, full of passion and feeling. Few pianists have managed this feat, even fewer as well as Solomon does here. --Dan Davis

Bagatelles, Rondos and Other Shorter Works for Piano

cover of Bagatelles, Rondos and Other Shorter Works for Pianoauthor: Ludwig van Beethoven
asin: 0486253929
binding: Paperback
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Most popular and most performed shorter works, including Rondo a capriccio in G and Andante in F. Breitkopf & Hartel edition.

Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Piano Concerto No. 3

cover of Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Piano Concerto No. 3asin: B00005NPIZ
binding: Audio CD
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amazon price: $17.70 USD


Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Op. 2, Nos. 1, 2, 3

cover of Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Op. 2, Nos. 1, 2, 3asin: B00000418N
binding: Audio CD
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Beethoven: Sonataen - Waldstein, Les Adieux, Appassionata

cover of Beethoven: Sonataen - Waldstein, Les Adieux, Appassionataasin: B000001G79
binding: Audio CD
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Emil Gilels unfailingly conveys a manly strength in his performances of Beethoven's music, with a feeling of power held in reserve. The technique is stunning, but what is truly extraordinary is the lively, leonine quality of the playing. Gilels's 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 imaginative ever captured. --Ted Libbey

Beethoven: Piano Concerto Nos.4 & 5

cover of Beethoven: Piano Concerto Nos.4 & 5asin: B0000041YM
binding: Audio CD
list price: $9.98 USD
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Beethoven: 5 Piano Concertos / Choral Fantasy

cover of Beethoven: 5 Piano Concertos / Choral Fantasyasin: B0000041UT
binding: Audio CD
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Beethoven: The Piano Concertos; 3 Sonatas

cover of Beethoven: The Piano Concertos; 3 Sonatasasin: B000E0LB8G
binding: Audio CD
list price: $23.98 USD
amazon price: $17.55 USD


Beethoven: Klaviersonaten, Opp. 53 & 111

cover of Beethoven: Klaviersonaten, Opp. 53 & 111asin: B0000035Q2
binding: Audio CD
list price: $11.98 USD
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This disc is an absolute must for anyone who wants every recording Ashkenazy has ever made, and for no one else. He recorded it in East Germany in 1957, and it has never been available outside of that country before. Ashkenazy was probably still in his teens when he played these performances, which explains his relatively callow playing of the profound Sonata No. 32. The "Waldstein" is a more acceptable performance, but as a listening experience it is ruined by the way the pitch varies through much of the first movement. Fortunately for Ashkenazy's admirers, his more recent recordings of these sonatas are available, making this opportunistic reissue thoroughly unnecessary. --Leslie Gerber

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