COMPOSERS: Beethoven
LABELS: Melcot
WORKS: Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 (Pathétique); Piano Sonata in G, Op. 14/2; Piano Sonata in F sharp, Op. 78; Piano Sonata in A flat, Op. 110
PERFORMER: Eric Hope (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: MCT CD 101 ADD mono (1959) (distr. 01425 611924)
Since the master tapes were not available, this is a rather dim-sounding transfer from a mono LP, with clicks removed. The original was made in 1959, when Eric Hope (now 75) had a high reputation. The thin, small recorded sound may add glamour, a sense of the irretrievable; but it also reduces impact, and the opening of the Pathétique seems surprisingly mild. Yet as you listen further, the playing is full of character, with a natural sense of flow served by an immaculate technique. Adrian Jack
Beethoven: Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 (Pathétique); Piano Sonata in G, Op. 14/2; Piano Sonata in F sharp, Op. 78; Piano Sonata in A flat, Op. 110
Since the master tapes were not available, this is a rather dim-sounding transfer from a mono LP, with clicks removed. The original was made in 1959, when Eric Hope (now 75) had a high reputation. The thin, small recorded sound may add glamour, a sense of the irretrievable; but it also reduces impact, and the opening of the Pathétique seems surprisingly mild. Yet as you listen further, the playing is full of character, with a natural sense of flow served by an immaculate technique. Adrian Jack
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:15 pm