Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Sonatas for Piano
Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1 [16:45]
Sonata No. 6 in F major, Op. 10, No. 2 [14:37]
Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3 [20:26]
Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique" [17:33]
Maurizio Pollini, piano
Recorded Herkulessaal, Munich, September 2002
Deutsche Grammophon 474 810-2 [69:35]
Comparisons:
Opus 10 - Brendel/Philips, Goode/Nonesuch
Opus 13 - A. Fischer/Hungaroton
Program - The Opus 10 Sonatas are never mentioned when Beethoven's
greatest Piano Sonatas are being discussed, likely because of their
relative lack of profundity. The music does key on humor, mischief,
and sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics. However, there is also a fair
share of poignancy and even tragedy and pathos in the 2nd Movement of
the Sonata in D major.
The highly contrasted "Pathetique" Sonata is one of Beethoven's most
famous and serious-minded creations. It conveys the human strength to
withstand and overcome severe obstacles in life, clearly requiring an
heroic stance on the part of the pianist.
Performer - Pollini is a living legend of the keyboard, but there have
been complaints throughout his career that he can be too cool and
uninvolved in his approach to warm-natured music.
Interpretations - Unfortunately, this coolness does rear its head at
times in the new disc: the middle section of Sonata No. 5, the Allegretto
of Sonata No. 6, the inner movements of Sonata No. 7, and the middle
section of the 3rd Movement of the "Pathetique".
On the upside, Pollini perfectly captures the youthful impetuosity of
the Opus 10 Sonatas and the heroic elements of the 2nd Movement of the
"Pathetique".
Soundstage - The sound is excellent except for a slightly glassy tone
from the higher registers.
Comparisons - Brendel has no trouble conveying both the warmth and the
mood shifts of the Opus 10 Sonatas; his recording has greater breadth
and is preferable to Pollini's accounts. Goode's recording of Opus 10
gives Beethoven a well-buttoned and polite personality, traits that I
find at odds with reality *and* the offering of compelling readings.
My current favorite "Pathetique" comes from Annie Fischer, and I don't
find Pollini to match her angst or concentration.
Don's Conclusions - Pollini's new disc is a fine one, but the immense
recorded competition leaves it a few steps below the best interpretations.
Fans of Pollini will certainly want the disc, but others should sample
first. 'Warmth' is the missing ingredient here, and it diminishes the
otherwise exceptional performances.
Don Satz
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