András Schiff: "The Beethoven sonatas can be logically divided into three distinct groups: early, middle and late. To me, playing them in chronological order is most convincing and deeply satisfying. Among the thirty-two there is not one weak link. And this way the listener is able to follow the process of evolution, step by step. It is a learning experience; we are fellow travellers on a fantastic voyage." This specially-priced 11 CD edition contains the complete piano sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven, recorded live in concert at the Tonhalle in Zürich. It also includes the encores from these concerts with works by Schubert, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Bach, as well as an extensive booklet, which re-collects all original conversations around the sonatas, and adds an insightful new text by András Schiff reflecting upon the "Encores after Beethoven".
A**P
What artistry
Utterly brilliant. Andras Schiff is, to me, one of the finest interpreters of these beautiful musical works.
A**R
Cycle get's better as it progresses
The first three sonatas should have been recorded again. They are hesitant, mannered, and I use the rather clumsy word 'choppy' to describe the playing ! Beethoven was a revolutionary, and when playing these great works you need a freshness and originality of approach as if the music was composed yesterday, but here all I get is Schiff imposing his own will rather than letting the music speak for itself. On the credit side, It get's better as the cycle continues and at last schiff leaves the mannerism's behind. He doesn't match Brendel , Kovacevich or Kempff in this music or my own favourite Solomon, and younger artists like Levit and Lewis. The best part of this box are the encore disc of Schubert, Bach etc. Schiff becomes the player I want him to be and he feels much more at home here...
S**E
momental achievement of musicality by the great Hungarian master
Hopefully the boxset would be available on the market again. These are some momental achievement of musicality by Andras Schiff that any serious or casual listeners shouldn't miss.
B**.
Five Stars
a great fan of Schiff. Clear readings of sublime music
G**.
Five Stars
great performance and excellent recording
N**E
Five Stars
very good
