Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle Journal

[Kromme]

Todd...
I hope that you have listened to more Beethoven cycles by now.Do you mind sharing your opinions on them?

[Todd]

I hope that you have listened to more Beethoven cycles by now.Do you mind sharing your opinions on them?

Oh, yes - I've added 15 or so cycles to my collection over the past 18 months or so, and I have detailed listening notes on 11 of them. The problem is finding the time to write. I've been too busy to write much lately, though I hope to write about the remaining cycles starting sometime later this year.

[Kromme]

I am looking forward to it.

[augustwest]

"Oh, yes - I've added 15 or so cycles to my collection over the past 18 months or so, and I have detailed listening notes on 11 of them. The problem is finding the time to write. I've been too busy to write much lately, though I hope to write about the remaining cycles starting sometime later this year."

I'm looking forward to it too! Your write-ups are the most insightful Beethoven sonata reviews that I have read, bar none.

- augustwest

[Contratrombone64]

Todd - keep up the excellent work, you're an inspiration.

[hert0440]

Todd - I'm new to the forum, and found your reviews fascinating. I have one question for you about op27 no.2 - I went to see a live performance by Andras Schiff at Carnegie Hall in New York a while back in which he played this sonata, and I was astonished to hear him play the 1st movement with the pedal down all the way through - Out of your collection of Sonata cycles do any other pianists do this when playing this movement?

Matthew

[Todd]

Out of your collection of Sonata cycles do any other pianists do this when playing this movement?

Yes, some do, and many of course use it extensively. I can't remember which ones hold it throughout at the moment though. Schiff explains his choice in the "interview" accompanying the recording of the work.

[hert0440]

Thats interesting to know. It is so amazing, and apparent from your commentaries, how the same pieces can be interpreted so differently by the different pianists.

matthew

[Contratrombone64]

Todd - last night was I listening to the semi finals of the Sydney International Piano Compeition, and to my delight TWO of the competitors (both Russian) played Beethoven's Opus 106 (The Hammerklavier) ... I was in heaven each time. It's undoubtedly my favourite of his final masterpieces and an incredible indurance test for any pianist, as you well know.

[nospoonboy]

Great notes on these cycles. Most of them I own, but some I do not.

I realize you have a lot more that you did not post, however I wanted to make sure that you checked out Robert Benz' cycle on Thorofon records. It is not available in a box set and is rather difficult to collect as the cycle is spread among 9 separate discs.

Anyway, I spent a small fortune acquiring them and have never been happier with a cycle. Of course, it is not the be-all-end-all. Like you I don't think that any cycle is perfect...but it is my absolute favorite out of the 53 complete cycles that I own.

Thanks again Todd for spreading some intelligent criticism of the new testament recordings.

Cheers!

Stephen

[gregtaylor]

I wanted to state my appreciation of your efforts as well, Todd. Unlike many of the members on this thread, I am new to the Sonatas. I have Pommier's recording of 11-20 as well as Goode's recording of 21 thru 23.
Going thru your thread, I did not see reviews of the cycles by both men. Did I just miss the reviews or are they coming in the future or are you planning not to do a review of those two? Can you give me some insight into either of them?
One suggestion- Is it possible to create a Table of Contents for the various reviews with links to where they are located in the thread? That would make them even more useful.
Having said all that, I want to thank you again. Even if you never answer my question or write another review, what you have provided is the most comprehensive guide that I have yet seen to these wonderful recordings.
You, sir, are a cultural hero.