COMPOSERS: Beethoven
LABELS: ASV Quicksilva
WORKS: Piano Sonata No. 30, Op. 109; Piano Sonata No. 31, Op. 110; Piano Sonata No. 32, Op. 111
PERFORMER: John Lill (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: CD QS 6064 ADD (1981
Lill’s approach to Beethoven is straightforward and direct, and his tendency to slow tempi in the slow movements, especially in Op. 31/1 and Op. 111, focuses on the music’s intrinsic expressiveness. However, the relentless musical concentration which results will not suit all tastes. Nevertheless, whatever these performances lack in overt Romanticism, Lill’s playing does have spontaneity which, coupled with a natural piano sound, fully justifies the reissue of these versions. Nicholas Rast
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30, Op. 109; Piano Sonata No. 31, Op. 110; Piano Sonata No. 32, Op. 111
Lill’s approach to Beethoven is straightforward and direct, and his tendency to slow tempi in the slow movements, especially in Op. 31/1 and Op. 111, focuses on the music’s intrinsic expressiveness. However, the relentless musical concentration which results will not suit all tastes. Nevertheless, whatever these performances lack in overt Romanticism, Lill’s playing does have spontaneity which, coupled with a natural piano sound, fully justifies the reissue of these versions. Nicholas Rast
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm