Beethoven : Favourite Piano Music
Beethoven’s three most famous sonatas have received hundreds of recordings. Why another, especially from a company like Divine Art which usually avoids duplicating repertoire?
Because we believe that each piece of music demands a performance tailored to the composition, and that recently, every recording of a major work seems to sound the same. Beethoven’s sonatas are fiery, storm-filled works which require playing not only of consummate skill but also total passion and commitment. They receive that here, together with a piano of individual character, with a “visceral” quality (to quote Goldstone), and ideal for this music.
But this CD contains two special tracks: we offer the world première recording of Moscheles’ arrangement of the Overture to “Fidelio”. And also, two alternative versions of the first movement of the “Pathétique” Sonata, one incorporating Goldstone’s belief regarding the correct execution of the exposition repeat. We could not pack any more onto a disc!
Track Listing
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Ludwig van Beethoven:
- Piano Sonata in C sharp minor, op. 27 no. 2 (Moonlight) − I. Adagio sostenuto (5:01)
- Piano Sonata in C sharp minor, op. 27 no. 2 (Moonlight) − II. Allegretto (2:13)
- Piano Sonata in C sharp minor, op. 27 no. 2 (Moonlight) − III. Presto agitato (7:12)
- Overture to Fidelio (6:31)
- Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13 (Pathetique) − I. Grave (9:54)
- Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13 (Pathetique) − Ib. Grave (alternate version) (8:19)
- Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13 (Pathetique) − II. Adagio Cantabile (4:38)
- Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13 (Pathetique) − III. Rondo (4:12)
- Seven Variations on "God Save the King",WoO 78 (8:25)
- Piano Sonata in F minor, op. 57 (Appassionata) − I. Allegro assai (9:21)
- Piano Sonata in F minor, op. 57 (Appassionata) − II. Andante con moto (6:28)
- Piano Sonata in F minor, op. 57 (Appassionata) − III. Allegro ma non troppo (7:37)
Reviews
“Anthony Goldstone’s playing throughout is splendid; technically most expert and always unfailingly musical… superb… compelling… this exceptionally well-filled CD is very strongly recommended
” —Robert Matthew-Walker
“a name to be reckoned with arrives at a new stature… leonine strength and pristine articulation combine to present intellectually and physically formidable performances ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
” —Michael Tumelty
“Goldstone is not only a tremendous virtuoso, he is an amazingly insightful and astoundingly soulful player. Goldstone can storm the heavens in finales, but he can also see to the heart of Beethoven’s music and express it in rapturous tones
” —James Leonard
“Goldstone gives an accomplished account of the overture…much to enjoy in his performance
” —Misha Donat
“Goldstone’s playing enables you to feel both Beethoven’s suffering and pain and his joy. The colour in this performance is admirable… an admirable choice of tempi and a brave choice. Goldstone’s chords are so even and you hear all the notes. My, how Goldstone brings out the passion… this pianist has really caught it… Goldstone triumphs with his profound understanding of the music… fearsomely difficult to play but Goldstone is man enough for it.. the final presto section [of the Appassionata] is music in overdrive
” —David Wright
“To hear [the alternative version of the Pathétique] is utterly fascinating… appropriately cogent performance… worth having
” —Stephen Pruslin
“undeniably the product of intimate knowledge and long experience of the score…there is something of the impulsive, a young man’s music-making here, with extremes of tempo close in spirit to Beethoven’s intentions. I do prefer Goldstone’s clear-sighted views of these works [to other recent version]
” —Guy Rickards
“an appealing assortment of Beethoven… an excellent recital
” —Kevin Bryan
