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Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonatas: No.8 "Pathétique"; No.14 "Mondschein"; No.21 "Waldstein"; No.23 "Appassionata" (Wilhelm Kempff) [1996]
Rating: 8 out of 10

Having little experience with the Romantic Period, I've recently begun to delve into a good amount of the releases from some of the premier performers of pieces from the era. This is the first of which to be piano-driven, and Wilhelm Kempff comes highly recommended from various sources.

Now, being a person who spends a good amount of time discussing and exchanging with more art-oriented people, I've heard the major symphonies from Beethoven and get what he's about in the most general reductionist sense possible. The intense swells of emotion evoked by his symphonies, however, are replaced on this disc and I could presume in his sonatas as a whole. They are a relaxed companion piece to his flurries and gestures in his larger orchestral works.

I personally applaud (as if my applause is really all that special to individuals like Beethoven and Kempff!) the intense personal touch of the sonatas present on these discs. I won't comment on it myself, as these are the first recordings of these sonatas that I have heard, but it comes from much more experienced listeners than I that Kempff does such a good job of interpretation as to convey a sense of the composer better than a good deal of performers. For me personally, the music all felt very direct and singular-minded, so this is probably that principle in action.

Overall, the disc has done an excellent job of whetting my appetite for more excursions into the 19th Century through a power that, though I won't claim is universal, is one that all should attempt to tap into if their sensibilities allow them.

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marksanders242

Listening to Music helps us relax especially on a stressful day. It can help clear our mind have a peaceful relaxation.


Mark Sanders