COMPOSERS: Beethoven
LABELS: DG
WORKS: Complete Cello Sonatas & Variations for cello and piano, Op. 69
PERFORMER: Pierre Fournier (cello); Wilhelm Kempff (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 453 013-2 ADD
Pierre Fournier’s 1965 collaboration with Wilhelm Kempff yielded one of the greatest complete recordings of the Beethoven cello sonatas. Their account of Op. 69 epitomises the nobility and eloquence of these unparalleled interpretations, and CD transfers are remarkably spacious and detailed. Anthony Pleeth’s cycle, with fortepianist Melvyn Tan, was the first to employ modern reproductions of instruments of the Beethovenian epoch. These artists make the historical concessions without minimising the drama and passion of the music; the sound is warm, but insufficiently focused. Michael Jameson
Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas & Variations for cello and piano, Op. 69
Pierre Fournier’s 1965 collaboration with Wilhelm Kempff yielded one of the greatest complete recordings of the Beethoven cello sonatas. Their account of Op. 69 epitomises the nobility and eloquence of these unparalleled interpretations, and CD transfers are remarkably spacious and detailed. Anthony Pleeth’s cycle, with fortepianist Melvyn Tan, was the first to employ modern reproductions of instruments of the Beethovenian epoch. These artists make the historical concessions without minimising the drama and passion of the music; the sound is warm, but insufficiently focused. Michael Jameson
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm