Beethoven Piano Sonatas
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Hyperion Records CDA67662 | 70'52
- INTERNATIONAL RECORD REVIEW ‘OUTSTANDING’ AWARD
Steven Osborne is one of the most important pianists on the planet
— Classics Today France
This is pretty remarkable Beethoven playing: Osborne's careful reading of the texts ensures that plenty of detail emerges, while the even more important question of how to convey the drama of these masterpieces is answered with playing of the greatest intelligence and insight.
— International Record Review
Steven Osborne [has] that very special ability to make music that you thought you knew inside out seem fresh and totally alive. The way he keeps the first two movements of the Moonlight sonata on the tightest of reins, for instance, before allowing it to explode in the tumultuous finale, or how he gradually turns up the intensity of the finale of the Waldstein from the gentlest of beginnings, are both perfectly stage-managed, the product of a musical mind that knows exactly what it wants interpretatively, and how to achieve it.
— The Guardian
This Beethoven disc ... makes one marvel at the way Osborne’s own personality seems able to ally itself with the composer’s, in the way he illuminates aspects of style, structure and substance with clarity, subtlety and dynamism. Listening to the G major Op 79 was particularly strong on the “Ah, yes” factor, where you realise that he is telling you something fresh and truthful about the music. But these performances, deeply thought, vibrant and humane, are full of such revealing insights.
— The Telegraph
One of the finest Beethoven sonata recordings I have heard
— The Herald
These are very impressive performances on their own terms – fresh, new-minted, perceptive, individual
— classicalsource.com
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Tracklisting
Piano Sonata in C sharp minor 'Moonlight' Op.27 No.2 (Sonata quasi una Fantasia)
Adagio sostenuto
Allegretto
Presto agitato
Piano Sonata in C minor 'Pathétique' Op.13
Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Adagio cantabile
Rondo: Allegro
Piano Sonata in G major Op.79
Presto alla tedesca
Andante
Vivace
Piano Sonata in C major 'Waldstein' Op.53
Allegro con brio
Introduzione: Adagio molto
Rondo : Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo