Bob Kasenchak, who wrote the initial posting on this thread, mentioned a
new Hungaroton cd of Haydn piano sonatas.  Just yesterday, I acquired a
2-cd set of Haydn sonatas on Hungaroton played by Ranki which was recorded
in 1976.

I was eagerly anticipating the set, because I have greatly enjoyed Ranki
in other repertoire, particularly Schubert.  His Haydn interpretations are
no exceptions.  Ranki is simply a superb pianist.  The set contains Haydn's
most mature piano sonatas; I appreciated that.  I still consider Brendel
the best, but Ranki is in the same league as Reisenberg and Ax, better than
Andsnes on EMI.

As for the recorded sound, the only problem is a "fizz" which is noticeable
when using head phones.  This "fizz" can be eliminated with adjustment of
treble, but then some brightness is lost.  You can't have everything.

Considering all factors, I give this set a 9 out of 10, and I'm fairly
fussy concerning Haydn piano works.

Don Satz
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