Beethoven: Bagatelles - Complete

On this CD:

1. Bagatelle for piano in E flat major, Op. 33/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

2. Bagatelle for piano in C major, Op. 33/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

3. Bagatelle for piano in F major, Op. 33/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

4. Bagatelle for piano in A major, Op. 33/4
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

5. Bagatelle for piano in C major, Op. 33/5
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

6. Bagatelle for piano in D major, Op. 33/6
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

7. Bagatelle for piano in A flat major, Op. 33/7
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

8. Bagatelle for piano in G minor, Op. 119/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

9. Bagatelle for piano in C major, Op. 119/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

10. Bagatelle for piano in D major, Op. 119/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

11. Bagatelle for piano in A major, Op. 119/4
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

12. Bagatelle for piano in C minor, Op. 119/5
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

13. Bagatelle for piano in G major, Op. 119/6
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

14. Bagatelle for piano in C major, Op. 119/7
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

15. Bagatelle for piano in C major, Op. 119/8
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

16. Bagatelle for piano in A minor, Op. 119/9
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

17. Bagatelle for piano in A major, Op. 119/10
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

18. Bagatelle for piano in B flat major, Op. 119/11
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

19. Bagatelle for piano in G major, Op. 126/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

20. Bagatelle for piano in G minor, Op. 126/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

21. Bagatelle for piano in E flat major, Op. 126/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

22. Bagatelle for piano in B minor, Op. 126/4
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

23. Bagatelle for piano in G major, Op. 126/5
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

24. Bagatelle for piano in E flat major, Op. 126/6
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

25. Bagatelle for piano in C minor, WoO 52
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

26. Allegretto for piano in C major ("Bagatelle") WoO 56
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by John Lill

Amazon.com

This series of Saint-Saëns' piano music, recorded in 1974, will be of interest to the composer's admirers, but it's not likely to win any awards. Most of the music consists of glittering generalities, with few memorable moments and a lot of padding. Saint-Saëns had inspirations, but he didn't waste many of them on his solo piano music. In the few cases when a piece has become familiar, we can tell that Dosse's performances are mostly just adequate, seldom exciting or insightful. She gets around the keys well enough, and the last of the Six Etudes (based on the composer's own Fifth Piano Concerto) is pretty dazzling, but elsewhere she seems to be just going through the motions. The solo piano music, recorded by the wonderful Elite team of Nickrenz & Aubort, has splendid sound quality. But the duets, recorded in Stuttgart, sound boxy and flat--except for "Carnival of the Animals," with the sparkling chamber orchestra. This certainly isn't a bad set, but it's only a compelling purchase for lovers of this composer who can't get enough of his piano music. Well, now they can. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Decent performances but terrible sound quality.......2007-06-01

The performances on this collection were decent, although it is somewhat hard to judge them, not being familiar with most of the items. However, the sound quality is way below expectations for something that was originally recorded in ca. 1974 (more like what one would expect from the 1920s or 1930s). There are inexplicable bumps and pops (no pits or scratches obvious on the CDs), and the general acoustics are very subdued (as if the transfer were done using a tape recorder on a monophonic turntable). One cannot claim that it this way because of the budget price - other labels have managed to do much better in their offerings at this price point (such as the D. Scarlatti sonata selection by Pletnev on Virgin Classics which I had purchased in the same order as this CD set).

Proto-Modern Music.......2004-05-21

Saint-Saens didn't believe that music must express deep emotion to be worthwhile. He was more interested in beautiful surfaces than in profundity. The composer's aesthetic, which might be described as "decorative," justifies certain limitations and is not all that different from Milhaud's or Poulenc's, although the musical idiom is more 19th century than 20th century.

Because this is a "complete works" set of CDs, the quality of the compositions is predictably uneven. Several of the many pieces included are too protracted, formulaic and even dull, but few are without any interest. Almost all seem impersonal and dispassionate. That said, much of the music is lovely, frequently colorful and occasionally dazzling. Saint-Saens piano writing is almost always transparent, elegant, ironic and wry. Some pieces, like the Scherzo for Two Pianos (which is organized as a palindrome), the Valse Gaie and the Etude en Forme de Valse, are stunning mixtures of modern musical language and traditional gestures. There is truly no other music like this.

Admirers of French music are fortunate that Vox decided to reissue these performances, which range from adequate to excellent.

COMPLEMENTS STEPHEN HOUGHT SAINT SAENS CONCERTOS.......2003-08-12

I AM LISTENING TO THE FOURTH OF FIVE CDS PLAYED ON THE PIANO BY FRENCH WOMEN MARYLENE DOSSE AND ANNIE PETIT. THEY ARE EXCELLENT ESCAPISMS. I DON'T KNOW ONE FROM THE OTHER, BUT JUST LAY BACK ON A SULTRY DAY AND ENJOY.
I THOUGHT I MAY HAVE DUPLICATED SAINT-SAENS COMPLETE WORKS FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA BY SAKARI ORAMO UNDER STEPHEN HOUGH OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. WITH VOX I GOT 5 CDS AT HALF THE PRICE OF THE HOUGH TWO CDS. SO THE SELECTIONS AREN'T FAMILIAR. WHO NEEDS MORE OF THE SAME?

Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim

Average customer rating:

A good deal to enjoy
Jazzy Ludwig!

Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim
Ludwig van Beethoven , Jörg Demus , Emil Gilels , Olli Mustonen , Christopher Alder , Daniel Barenboim , and Wilhelm Kempff
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 11: Early String Quartets

ASIN: B000001GZ9
Release Date: 1997-11-25

Tracks:

7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No. 1 In E Flat Major - Andante grazioso quasi Allegretto
7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.2 In C Major - Scherzo. Allegro
7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.3 In F Major - Allegretto
7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.4 In D Major - Andante
7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.5 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.6 In D Major - Allegretto quasi andante
7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.7 In A Flat Major - Presto
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.1 In B Flat Major - Allegretto
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.2 In C Major - Andante con moto
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.3 In D - a l'Allemande
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.4 In A Major - Andante cantabile
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.5 In C Minor - Risoluto
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.6 In G Major - Andante - Allegretto
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.7 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.8 In C - Moderato
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.9 In A Minor - Vivace moderato
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.10 In A Major - Allegramente
11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.11 In B Flat Major - Andante ma non troppo
Bagatelle in C Minor: Presto
Bagatelle In C Major: Allegretto
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.1 In G Major - Andante con moto cantabile e compiacevole
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No. 2 In G Minor - Allegro
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.3 In In E Flat Major - Andante cantabile e grazioso
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.4 In D Major - Presto
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.5 In G Major - Quasi Allegretto
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.6 In E Flat Major - Presto - Andante amabile e con moto - Tempo I
Bagatelle 'Fur Elise' In A Minor: Poco moto

Tracks:

3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro cantibile
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 2. Andante
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo vivace
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 1. Larghetto maestoso - Allegro assai
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 2. Andante
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 3. Presto
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 1. Allegro
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 2. Menuetto. Sostenuto - Var. I-VI
3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 3. Scherzando. Allegro, ma non troppo
2 Sonata Movments In F Major: 1. Without Tempo Indication
2 Sonata Movments In F Major: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In C Major: Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major: Adagio
Allegretto In C Minor
'Lustig - Traurig' In C Major
Prelude In F Minor
Piano Piece In B Flat Major
Allegretto In B Minor
Allegretto quasi andante In G Minor
Allemande In A Major
Minuet In E Flat Major
Waltz In E Flat Major
Waltz In D Major
Ecossaise In E Flat Major
Fugue In C Major
Allegretto In C Minor

Tracks:

Rondo In C Major, Op. 51: Moderato e grazioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Rondo In G Major, Op. 51 No. 2: Andante cantabile e grazioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Rondo In C Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Rondo In A Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Polonaise In C Major: Alla polacca, vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
9 Variations (In C Minor) On A March By Ernst Christoph Dressler: Thema. Maestoso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
6 Variations On A Swiss Song In F Major: Thema. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-XIII - Var. XIV. Allegretto - Adagio - Var. XV-XIX - Var. XX. Scherznado - Var. XXI-XXII - Var. XXIII. Adagio sostenuto - Var. XXIV. Allegro - Allegro stringendo - Presto assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
12 Variations (In C Major) On The 'Menuett a la Vigano' From Jakob Haibel's Ballet 'Le nozze disturbate': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-IX - Var. XII. Allegro - Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
6 Variations (In G Major) On The Duet 'Nel cor piu non mi sento' From Giovanni Paisello's Opera 'La molinara': Thema. (Andantino) - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Fantasia In G Minor: Allegro - Poco adagio - allegro ma non troppo - Allegro con brio - Adagio - Presto - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio
6 Variations (In D Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Allegro risoluto - Var. I-V - Var. VI. Presto - Tempo I
Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-II - VarIII. Commodetto - Var. IV - Var. V. Risoluto - Arioso. Andante con moto - Var. VI. Espressivo - Var. VII. Allegro no nmolto - Var. VIII. Tempo I - Var. IX. Allegro
8 Variations (In C Major) On The Romance 'Une fievre brulante' From Gretry's Opera 'Richard Coeur de Lion': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-VII - Var. VIII. Allegro - Presto
10 Variations (In B Flat Major) On The Duet 'La stessa, la stessissima' From Antonio Salieri's Opera 'Falstaff': Thema. Andante con moto - Var. I-IX - Var. X. Allegretto (alla Austriaca) - Tempo I
7 Variations (In F Major) On The Quartet 'Kind, willst du ruhig schlafen?' From Peter Winter's Opera 'Das unterbrochene Opferfest': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-VI - Var. VII. Allegro - Allegro molto
8 Variations (In F Major) On The Trio 'Tandeln und Scherzen' From Franz X. Sussmayrs Opera 'Soliman II': Thema. Andante, quasi Allegretto - Var. I-VI - Var. VII. Adagio molto ed espressivo - Var. VIII. Allegro vivace - Adagio
6 Easy Variations (In G Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Andante, quasi Allegretto - Var. I-VI

Tracks:

6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Adagio. Cantabile
6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. I
6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. II - Allegro ma non troppo
6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. III - Allegretto
6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. IV - Tempo di Menuetto
6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. V - Marcia. Allegretto
6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. VI - Allegretto. Adagio molto
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Introduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Tema
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. I
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. II
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. III
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. IV
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. V
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VI
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VII - Canone all'ottava
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VIII
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. IX
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. X
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XI
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XII
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XIII
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XIV
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XV - Largo
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Coda
15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
9 Variations (IN A Major) On The Aria 'Quant'e piu bello' From Giovanni Paisiello's Opera 'La molinara': Allegretto
12 Variations (In A Major) On A Russian Dance From Paul Wranitzky's Ballet 'Das Waldmadchen': Allegretto
7 Variations (In C Major) On 'God Save The King': Thema - Var. I-V - Var. VI. Allegro. Alla Marcia - Var. VII. (Allegro) - Adagio - Allegro
5 Variations (In D Major) On 'Rule, Britannia' From Thomas Arne's Masque 'Alfred': Thema. Tempo moderato
32 Variations (In C Minor) On An Original Theme: Thema. Allegretto
6 Ecossaises In E Flat Major

Tracks:

33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Thema.Vivace
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. I - Alla Marcia maestoso
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. II - Poco Allegro
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. III. - L'istesso tempo
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. IV. - Un poco piu vivace
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. V. - Allegro vivace
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var.VI-Allegro ma non troppo
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. VII - Un poco piu allegro
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. VIII - Poco vivace
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. IX - Allegro pesante e risoluto
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. X - Presto
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XI - Allegretto
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XII - Un poco piu moto
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIII - Vivace
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIV - Grave e maestoso
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XV - Presto scherzando
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVI - Allegro
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVII
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVIII - Poco moderato
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIX - Presto
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XX - Andante
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXI - Allengro con brio
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXII - Allegro molto
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIII - Allegro assai
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIV - Fughetta. Andante
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXV - Allegro
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVI
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVII - Vivace
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVIII - Allegro
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIX - Adagio ma non troppo
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXX - Andante, sempre cantabile
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXI - Largo, molto espressivo
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXII - Fuga.Allegro - Poco adagio
33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXIII - Tempo di Menuetto moderato

Tracks:

Andante In F Major - 'Andante favori: Andante grazioso con moto
6 Minuets: 6 Minuets - No. 1 In C Major; No. 2 In G Major; No. 3 In E Flat Major; No. 4 In B Flat Major; No. 5 in D Major; No. 6 In C Major
7 Landler In D Major
12 German Dances: No. 1 In D Major; No. 2 In B Flat Major; No. 3 In G Major; No. 4 In D Major; No. 5 in F Major; No. 6 In B Flat Major; No. 7 In D Major; No. 8 In G Major; No. 9 In E Flat Major; No. 10 In C Major; No. 11 In A Major; No. 12 In D Major
'The Rage Over The Lost Penny' In G Major: Allegro vivace
Canon A 2 In G Major, Hess 274
Canon A 2 In A Flat Major, Hess 275
8 Variations (In C Major) On A Theme By Count Waldstein: Thema. Andante con moto - Var. I-VII. Un poco Adagio - Capriccio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Allegro - Presto
6 Variations (In D Major) On The Lied 'Ich denke dein': Lied. Andantino cantabile

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major, Op. 6: 1. Allegro molto
Sonata In D Major, Op. 6: 2. Rondo. Moderato
3 Marches, op.45: No.1 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
3 Marches, op.45: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Vivace
3 Marches, op.45: No. 3 In C Major - Vivace
'Grosse Fuge' In B Flat Major, Op. 134: Overtura. Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga. (Allegro) - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro (molto e con brio)
2 Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys For Piano Or Organ: No. 1
2 Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys For Piano Or Organ: No. 2
Fugue In D Major For Organ
5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 1 In F Major - Adagio assai
5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 2 In G Major - Scherzo. Allegro
5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 3 In G Major - Allegro
5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 4 In C Major - Allegro non piu molto
5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 5 In C Major - Menuett. Allegretto
Grenadier March For Mechanical Clock In F Major, Hess 107

Customer Reviews:

A good deal to enjoy.......2006-04-15

Though Beethoven could play the violin he was not a virtuoso on the instrument. The piano, on the other hand, was changed as an instrument by him. He was always on a quest for more sonorous and richer sounds and piano makers did their best to oblige. Many of Beethoven's avant guarde ideas about composition and the role of music in self expression started as piano sonatas and piano works. With this in mind, Beethovens compositions for the piano are some of the most outstanding, brilliant, and technically pure works to emerge from any composer. It is impossible not to feel the emotions Beethoven wishes to convey from piece to piece.

The piano sonatas are really self contained dramas. In them, you will hear the expressions of sadness, beauty, rage, and unbounded joy. It is impossible to listen to this collection and not find pleasure in it. The recordings as well as the performers are top-notch. Highly recommended.

Jazzy Ludwig!.......2005-02-17

An excellent set featuring Ludwig van's sets of variations wherein he gets jazzy and swings on catchy tunes! Highly recommended.

NOTE: For those of you who don't understand metaphor: what I'm saying here is that Beethoven used popular operatic hit-tunes of his day and improvised variations on those tunes--as is done in America's original art-form--Jazz. Get it?

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas; Bagatelles Op. 119, Op. 126

Average customer rating:

It's All Here, and Then Some: A Romantic Feast
When he is good, he is very, very good, and when he is bad...
Masculine Beethoven
Very enjoyable.
Beethoven with Horsepower!!!

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas; Bagatelles Op. 119, Op. 126

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000DB55A
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Menuetto: Allegretto
IV: Prestissimo
I: Allegro Vivace
II: Largo Appassionato
III: Scherzo: Allegretto
IV: Rondo: Grazioso
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Adagio
III: Scherzo: Allegro
IV: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

I: Allegro Molto E Con Brio
II: Largo, Con Gran Espressione
III: Allegro
IV: Rondo: Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
I: Allegro Molto E Con Brio
II: Adagio Molto
III: Finale: Prestissimo
I: Allegro
II: Adagio Molto
III: Presto
I: Presto
II: Largo E Mesto
III: Menuetto: Allegro
IV: Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

I: Grave - Allegro Molto E Con Brio
II: Adagio Cantabile
III: Rondo: Allegro
I: Allegro
II: Allegretto
III: Rondo: Allegro Comodo
I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Scherzo: Allegro Assai
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Adagio Con Molto Espressione
III: Menuetto
IV: Rondo: Allegretto

Tracks:

I: Andante Con Variazioni
Var. I
Var. II
Var. III
Var. IV
Var. V
II. Scherzo: Allegro Molto
III: Marcia Funebre Sulla Morte D'un Eroe: Maestoso Andante
IV. Allegro
I: Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
II: Allegro Molto E Vivace -
III: Adagio Con Espressione
Allegro Vivace
I: Adagio Sostenuto
II: Allegretto
III: Presto Agitato - Adagio - Presto Agitato
I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
IV: Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

I: Allegro Vivace
II: Adagio Grazioso
III: Rondo: Allegretto - Adagio - Presto
I: Largo - Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Scherzo: Allegretto Vivace
III: Menuetto: Moderato E Grazioso
I: Andante - Allegro - Tempo I -
II: Allegro Molto E Vivace
III: Adagio Con Espressione
Allegro Vivace
I: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Introduzione: Adagio Molto
Rondo: Allegretto Moderato - Prestissimo
I: In Tempo D'un Menuett
II: Allegroetto - Piu Allegretto
I: Allegro Assai - Piu Allegro
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Presto
I: Adagio Cantabile - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II: Allegro Vivace
I: Presto Alla Tedesca
II: Andante
III: Vivace

Tracks:

I: Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
II: Die Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante Espressivo
III: Das Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente - Poco Andante - Tempo I
I: Mit Lebhaftigkeit Und Durchaus Mit Empfindung Und Ausdruck (Con Vivacita E Sempre Con Sentimento Ed Espressione)
II: Nicht Zu Geschwind Und Sehr Singbar Vorzutragen (Non Troppo Presto E Molto Cantabile)
I: Etwas Lebhaft Und Mit Der Innigsten Empfindung (Allegretto, Ma Non Troppo)
II: Lebhaft. Marschmassig (Vivace Alla Marcia)
III: Langsam Und Sehnsuchtsvoll (Adagio, Ma Non Troppo, Con Affetto) - Zeitmass Des Ersten Stuckes (Tempo Del Primo Pezzo) -
Geschwind, Doch Nicht Zu Sehr, Und Mit Entschlossenheit (Allegro Risoluto)
I: Vivace, Ma Non Troppo - Adagio Espressivo - Tempo I
II: Prestissimo
III: Andante Molto Cantabile E Espressivo (Gesangvoll, Mit Innigster Empfindung)
Var. I: Molto Espressivo
Var. II: Leggermente
Var. III: Allegro Vivace
Var. IV: Un Poco Meno Andante, Cioe, Un Poco Piu Adagio Del Tema (Etwas Langsamer Als Das Thema)
Var. V: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Var. VI: Tempo I Del Tema (Cantabile)

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Scherzo: Assai Vivace - Presto - Tempo I
III: Adagio Sostenuto
IV: Largo - Allegro - Prestissimo - Allegro Risoluto (Fuga A Tre Voci, Con Alcune Licenze)
I: Moderato Cantabile, Molto Espressivo
II: Allegro Molto
III: Adagio, Ma Non Troppo
Adagio, Ma Non Troppo - Arioso Dolente
IV: Fuga: Allegro Ma Non Troppo -
L'istesso Tempo Di Arioso -
L'istesso Tempo Della Fuga Poi A Poi Di Nuovo Vivente - Meno Allegro

Tracks:

I: Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato
II: Arietta: Adagio Molto, Semplice E Cantabile - L'istesso Tempo
I: Allegretto (G Minor)
II: Andante Con Moto (C)
III: A l'Allemande (D)
IV: Andante Cantabile (A)
V: Risoluto (C Minor)
VI: Andante (G)
VII: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo (C)
VIII: Moderato Cantabile (C)
IX: Vivace Moderato (A Minor)
X: Allegramente (A)
XI: Andante, Ma Non Troppo (B Flat)
I: Andante Con Moto (G)
II: Allegro (G Minor)
III: Andante (E Flat)
IV: Presto (B Minor)
V: Quasi Allegretto (G)
VI: Presto - Andante Amabile E Con Moto (E Flat)

Customer Reviews:

It's All Here, and Then Some: A Romantic Feast.......2007-03-20

After growing familiar with Brendel's early set and many versions by Richter, Backhaus, Dochnanyi, Horowitz, Serkin, Ashkenazy, Kempff, Schnabel, Pollini, Rosen, Uchida and Gould, I decided I wanted a new set of all 32 sonatas. I listened and read reviews for over a year, gathering impressions of Barenboim, Arrau, Schnabel, Jando, Kovacevich, Goode, and more impressions of those I already knew - Ashkenazy, Kempff, Brendel and Backhaus. Beethoven is my favorite composer. Though I am delighted by "cornerstone" interpretations, I value an undistracting technique and good recorded sound.

Ultimately, I decided it was between Goode and Kovacevich. I listened to the excerpts on this website and chose. When the package arrived, I felt I had erred: I should have gotten Richard Goode's set. Nevertheless, I opened it and the die was cast. Kovacevich (nee Bishop) has been a constant source of wonder. These are stunning, insightful recordings that no excerpting on a computer can do justice. The criticism that all the sonatas are played the same way in this set is simply unjustified. I felt some of that when I listened to the little snatches available online, but when I took the time to play these at home on a good stereo, it was a completely different story. I was astonished and delighted. Every time I play one of these pieces, I feel I am hearing something totally new, but intelligently conceived and emotionally authentic and fulfilling. And he plays well! The first night, I stayed up late listening to four of these CDs in a row, all the way through. I still do that, but less now as I need the sleep. There is no musical wallpaper. And do not be fooled: Kovacevich has a sweet, exquisitely warm and tender side. This is not the 2-dimensional booming some have suggested.

I am content now to enjoy these for years to come. A rich reward of new insights, with gorgeous sound and amazing technique, is all one could ask. Can a piece of music be emotionally and intellectually voluptuous? I now believe so. These 9 CDs (the last is sonata 32 and a lot of delicious bagatelles) are a treasured part of my collection. I return now and then to other versions and am amazed at the new dimensions, first here, now there, that Kovacevich has added when compared to what I had thought were definitive performances. Of course, some of these old friends will never be replaced but the entire array of the sonatas is now far more interesting than ever before. That also applies to the late sonatas: to cite just one instance, he plays No. 30 more sweetly than anyone, including Pollini. It is something to revel in. Kovacevich offers a full array of emotional experiences. What most distinguishes this set is his profound integrity as an artist. The decisions he makes are invariably just to the music and bring out what was evidently there all the time in a way that surprises and delights. Listening with one preconceived version of how Beethoven should sound (e.g., "There is no one like (fill in the blank: Arrau, Kempff, Schnabel, etc.), period") may paralyze the best intentions. Kovacevich has the artistry to transcend the impressions of most opinionated listeners. As to the more mundane issues, the accompanying critical notes are very fine and the packaging good and rather stylish. I also believe the price is fair. This is music to which I return with mingled pleasure, anticipation and reverence. Enjoy.

When he is good, he is very, very good, and when he is bad..........2006-08-17

This very uneven set does not deserve a Penguin rosette (but then, rosettes are often distributed with little, if any, sense of critical reponsibility-i.e., Janson's Tchaikovsky symphonies-BORING!).

Kovacevich is almost uniformly superb in Nos.19-32. Unfortunately, that's less than half the set. Most of the other 18 sonatas are played with ugly, bangy overdone sforzandi that leave the listener cringing in anticipation of the next overbearing onslaught (rather like the overdone drumbeats in Rattle's first Mahler 10). To be fair, 1, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 17 are well done, but in the others, Kovacevich's violence destroys the long line of Beethoven's argument. No.3 is particularly bad. Tempi are so fast the ornaments are muddied, and the passages in sixteenth-note broken octaves sound like grace notes before the beat (a Schnabelesque idiosyncracy, and not one of his more laudable ones-sloppy is sloppy). I honestly wonder if Kovacevich understands Beethoven's early style. His remarks in the notes make me wonder about this: "When I was a boy, I thought Beethoven was awful: a horrible composer, loud and noisy...now I love the early works as much as the late ones..." hmm... read between the lines... His performances of the early sonatas make me wonder whether he has really outgrown his youthful misconception.

The early sonatas still have one foot rooted in the 18th century, but Kovacevich's overprojection makes me wonder if he considers them "bland" and in need of "elivening" to make them as "passionate" (or whatever) as the middle and late works (not all of which are "passionate", either). Perhaps he is trying to convey something of "the outrageous effrontery of a young man" (as a contemporary critic remarked of Beethoven's First Symphony). If so, he has succeeded-most of his early Beethoven is outrageously annoying. True, there is an element of fierceness in SOME Beethoven, but not all of it, and certainly not most of it. Nos.2, 3,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15 (!!) and 18 suffer particularly badly from Kovacevich's heavy hand with the pepper sauce.

Some of my reaction may be due to that fact that the sound is VERY bright, and especially so above forte. A hefty treble cut with the tone controls makes the set more listenable overall.

In fairness, I have to admit that from No.19 onwards I really do like his set-there is some really exciting and musical playing from that point on. If middle and late Beethoven are important to one, and one tends to view the early sonatas as "unformed" waystations on the way to "the real stuff", then this may be the set for you. For me, it's merely a supplement to other more completely successful sets, such as Goode's or even Solomon's (the latter, unfortunately, incomplete, but a paragon).

Masculine Beethoven.......2006-06-26

I currently own 6 sets of Beethoven sonatas. With each set I buy, I find another great way to enjoy these sonatas. Annie Fischer remains my favorite, Gulda and Backhaus are also great. Schnabel is excellent if you can take the sound issues (I can). Barenboim's DG cycle is probably the weakest of all, though I would not want to be without his beautiful renditions.

Where does this leave Kovacevich's set? Well, he's not the best I own and he's not the worst. He's second worst. His playing is clearly dedicated and a lot of thought has gone into this set, but he is not deserving of a rosette, at least in my book. Why? He too often skims the surface of these works and even when he's on, I can think of at least a few pianists I prefer ahead of him. I just listened through these works so they are fresh on my mind. In 19 of these works, I think he does quite well. he finds a nice balance, incidentally like Gilels he's a Libra, between power and beauty. In 5 others I find him just good, not memorable, but solid. In the remaining 8 works I find his playing shallow and uninspired. This is strange to me because in works such as the Op. 10, 14, 28, 53, 90, 106, 109, 110 and 111 he is quite the opposite. These are great performances that leave a lasting impression.

This all adds up to a fairly consistent cycle, just one that is not as consistent as those Englishmen at the Penguin guide will have you believe. Kovacevich has lived in England for quite some time (hint hint.) If what you are after is a modern, masculine Beethoven sonata cycle, then this set should be worthy addtion to your collection. If you are after a top rate cycle, then the aforementioned pianists, especially Fischer, Gulda and Backhaus, are probably more what you're looking for.

Very enjoyable........2006-05-12

I had wanted to get a cycle of Beethoven that wasn't 20 or 30 years old. Then I bought a DVD of Kovacevich playing the Op 110 and 111 sonatas. That convinced me to get this box set. I can only compare it to Arrau's and Brendel's 1976 cycle, but I think it's great. I won't bore you with vain babblings - just highly recommend this set.

Beethoven with Horsepower!!!.......2006-03-08

QUESTION: Is this the best Beethoven piano cycle ever put to disk, and how does it compare with the great recordings of the past?
ANSWER: Yes, it is. In back to back comparisons with the immortal sets of Kempff, Schnabel, Brendel, and Goode (to name a few), the Kovacevich recording holds up quite well.
So well, in fact, as to be considered in a league by itself.
Take Schnabel, for instance. Yes, there is great depth in the playing, but consider the poor recording quality, the mistakes, and the lack of fire compared to Kovacevich.
Now take Brendel and Kempf. Sober, classical style playing devoid of any great highs and lows. AKA-boring.
Finally, consider Richard Goode. A truly 'fine' Beethoven cycle. Solid in every respect. One of the best, to be sure, but lets be honest. Anytime a reviewer uses the word 'fine' in his description of a performance, it is guaranteed that you can do better. It's like an attractive woman referring to a man as 'nice'. Sure, he may get to first base with her, but he'll never score.
Stephen Kovacevich, on the other hand, 'scores' big time with some of the most impassioned, hair raising, nail biting, edge-of-your-seat performances in the annals of the recording age.
Believe me, I do not exagerrate. My collection includes multiple recording of every work Beethoven wrote in his lifetime, and I count the Kovacevich piano sonatas at the very top of that oft-listened to heap of disks.
Unfortunately, I do not find Kovacevich's other recordings nearly as convincing as his Beethoven. In a sense, he is to Beethoven what Glenn Gould is to Bach, humming and all.
Make it your mission in life to acquire this set.
Enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Serene Journeys Through Classical Music
Durufle, Maurice , Holst, Gustav , Gounod, Charles , Victoria, Tomas Luis de , Brahms, Johannes , Barber, Samuel , and Harris, William H.
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6, 'Pastorale', Scene By The Brook - Carol Rosenberger
Sleeping Beauty, Panorama - Carol Rosenberger
Clarinet Concerto, K. 622: Allegro - Carol Rosenberger
The Carmen Ballet, Second Intermezzo - Carol Rosenberger
Intermezzo From String Quintet, Op. 77: Notturno - Carol Rosenberger
Symphony No. 40: Andante - Carol Rosenberger
Lyric Suite, Op. 54: Nocturne - Carol Rosenberger
Piano Concerto No. 2 In D Major: Un poco adagio - Carol Rosenberger
Bagatelle, Op. 30 No. 1 - Carol Rosenberger
Traditional Scottish: Wild Mountain Thyme - Carol Rosenberger
Symphony No. 3: Andante tranquillo - Carol Rosenberger
Cello Concerto In D Major: Adagio - Carol Rosenberger

Tracks:

Arabesque No.1
Mazurka Op.17, No.4 In A Minor
Au lac de Wllenstadt ( By The Lake At Wallenstadt )
Bruyeres ( Heather )
Berceuse ( Cradle Song ) , Op.57
Nocturne No.8 In D Flat, Op.84
Sancta Dorothea
Pavane pour une Infante defunte
Romance In F Sharp, Op.28, No.2
Sonata In A , Hob. XVI:12: Andante
French Suite No.5 In G: Sarabande
Le tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
Kinderszenen: Traumerei
The Lake At Evening, Op.5, No.1
Consolation III In D Flat

Tracks:

Invitation to Prayer
Jesus, Wonderful King
Cantata No. 147: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Requiem, Op. 9: Sanctus
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness
Adagio, Op. 11: Agnus Dei
Stabat Mater, Op. 58: Of Your Wounded Son
Prelude In E flat
Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
Rejoice, Rejoice
Suite in D: Air On The G String
Requiem, Op. 9: Kyrie
The Month Of The Righteous
Blessed Are Ye Faithful Souls
He Shall Feed His Flock
The Souls Of The Righteous
Let My Prayer Come Up As The Incense

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Bagatelles - Complete

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000ASQ
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.1 in E flat: Andante Grazioso, Quasi Allegretto
Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.2 in C: Scherzo Allegro
Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.3 in F: Allegretto
Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.4 in A: Andante
Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.5 in C: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.6 in D: Allegretto Quasi Andante
Seven Bagatelles, Op.33: No.7 in A flat: Presto
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.1 in g: Allegretto
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.2 in C: Andante Con Moto
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.3 in D: A L' Allemande
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.4 in A: Andante Cantabile
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.5 in c: Risoluto
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.6 in G: Andante-Allegretto
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.7 in C: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.8 in C: Moderato Cantabile
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.9 in a: Vivace Moderato
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.10 in A: Allegramente
Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119: No.11 in B flat: Andante, Ma Non Troppo
Six Bagatelles, Op.126: No.1 in G: Andante Con Moto
Six Bagatelles, Op.126: No.2 in g: Allegro
Six Bagatelles, Op.126: No.3 in E flat: Andante
Six Bagatelles, Op.126: No.4 in b: Presto
Six Bagatelles, Op.126: No.5 in G: Quasi Allegretto
Six Bagatelles, Op.126: No.6 in E flat: Presto-Andante Amabile E Con Moto-Tempo I
Bagatelle in c, WoO52: Presto
Bagatelle in C, WoO56: Allegretto

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: The Complete Edition

Average customer rating:

Wonderful set
Don't buy the whole thing
Not Insane
insane
For the real music lover

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: The Complete Edition
Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Gavottes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Nonets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Voluntaries | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00002EITP
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful set.......2004-10-24

This set is for serious piano fans, not for the ones who just start building up a CD library. I sort of agree with one of the reviewers, that there are many repetitions. But if you love piano, you wish to hear the same piece in different interpretations. Indeed, I really like this feature of this set: I can compare the style of various performers.
If you are into piano music, I encourage you to grab this set, if you can find it used (not available anymore at Amazon). I also hope, that there will be a continuation, in which other great pianists, who were left out because of the space limitation, will be included (Prokofiev, Bartok, Dohnanyi, etc).

Don't buy the whole thing.......2001-07-08

I've put a lot of thought into constructing my own piano library, and unless you can easily afford the present set, I would recommend a different approach to collecting piano music. This set emphasizes the piano player rather than the piano composer. Of course both are important. For example, the "Barcarolle" appears in this set EIGHT times. I'm sorry, although I love the piece, if I am going to spend [the money], I would prefer more variety. Where are the Alkan, Medtner, and Szymanawski compositions represented in this set? I appreciate having so many interpretations of the same pieces, but I would also appreciate more exposure to pieces not so popular. The selection by Philips which I consider a somewhat popular selection suggests to me that when Philips constructed this set, they realized most people would be buying the disks separately, and this affected the selection. And it's not just that obscure composers are left out, but also if one spends so much money on piano recordings, you'd think you'd want to buy pieces from a composer in completeness. For example, an alternative way to construct a library would be to combine purchases of complete cycles, e.g. complete Beethoven sonatas, complete Scriabin preludes, etc., along with outstanding recordings of more particular pieces. I'm not sure why someone would want to concentrate so much on so many famous artists, instead of acquiring complete sets of compositions. For me the composer is more important, or at least, if I am going to spend [the money]on piano recordings, I'd prefer more complete, rather than snapshot, exposure to the composers.

Not Insane.......2001-01-02

I had to write this review, as I am enthralled with this set. I have been going through it in order having already purchased a few individual units from the collection earlier. I am not sure what `insane' was talking about as there is NO repetition. Sure some pianists perform the same pieces, isn't that what they did in reality? The idea is to appreciate the different nuances and approaches taken by these artists. You will then enjoy these pieces from a better vantage.

It is a large ambitious contribution to the art of great piano playing. It is a labor of love and represents a tremendous amount of research and cooperation between many record companies. Rather then representing insanity, it is a resource to treasure.

Yes experts can quibble over who was left out, and what performances were inserted. I do not think such a massive undertaking could have been accomplished without someone being able to find faults. Overall however, unless you already have a monumental collection, (it would have to be almost legendary), this incredible set will give you a rewarding look into 74 of the greatest pianist of all time. You will come away with a honed sense of appreciation for your likes and dislikes. You will undoubtedly become someone who will search out recordings and be able to enjoy them for the rest of your life with a refined ear.

The only negative is this price. I would shop around, as it is daunting to spend 2 thousand dollars on such a collection. Of course you do get 200 CD's. However, the used collections might be good to consider.

Enjoy these masterpieces. I am not ashamed of owning this music as `insane' implies. I am proud to have enriched my life.

insane.......2000-10-12

This is not a good library of piano music. The reason is, there is too much repetition. I'm not saying the series is bad. The series is wonderful. But this collection as a whole is a bad libary. For the same money you could collect together (with more effort) an incredible libary of piano music. There are so many wonderful cd's out there, this is just a waste of money. If you can actually afford to spend 2 grand on piano music, then either (1) spend the time and do some research to get a good library of piano music, which will probably include some selections from this collection, or (2) hire someone to do that for you. Personally I would be embarrassed to own this whole collection, since that shows I have put little thought into my purchases of piano music.

For the real music lover.......2000-03-12

This series attempts to present important and representative performances by most of the major pianists of the 20th century. One might quibble a bit with the choices, but the works presented are of consistently high quality, and often do represent what may be the best works of a performer. Since this covers most of the time that recorded music existed, some of the recordings are technically challenged, as there is only so much one can do to enhance an old recording. Still, these appear to have been treated with love and respect in their restorations. Since this series is so large (and expensive!) one is tempted to "cherry pick" through the series, yet by doing so one can easily overlook gems by artists one is less familiar with. This large a set must inevitably have many versions of the same pieces, and takes many hours to listen to. The true enthusiast will appreciate the differences in interpretation, whereas the less experienced listener may find the set repetitive and overwhelming. If one has the time to really dig into this set, it can provide years of exploration and discovery. It would make a wonderful gift for some special music lover in your life ... or for yourself!