Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with "Beethoven: Piano Sonatas — The Complete Wartime 78-RPM Recordings." This meticulously curated collection brings together the complete piano sonatas of one of classical music's most revered composers, recorded during the wartime era. Spanning a substantial four hours and twenty-four minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through Beethoven's pianistic mastery, showcasing his evolution and innovation across his sonatas.
From the early works like the spirited Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major to the profound and iconic "Moonlight" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2), each piece is a testament to Beethoven's unparalleled ability to blend technical brilliance with deep emotional expression. The album also includes the "Pathétique" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13), known for its dramatic intensity, and the "Waldstein" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53), celebrated for its grandeur and complexity.
Recorded on 78-RPM discs, these performances capture the essence of Beethoven's music with a historical authenticity that is both rare and invaluable. The sound quality, while characteristic of the era, adds a layer of historical context and charm, making this release a treasure for both Beethoven enthusiasts and collectors of classical music.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to Beethoven's works, this album offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the complete piano sonatas in their wartime recording glory. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the depth and breadth of Beethoven's contributions to the piano repertoire.
Tracks
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: I. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: II. Largo appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: IV. Rondo. GraziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegro comodoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: II. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: III. Scherzo. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 11 in B-Flat Major, Op. 22: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 11 in B-Flat Major, Op. 22: II. Adagio con molto espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 11 in B-Flat Major, Op. 22: III. MinuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 11 in B-Flat Major, Op. 22: IV. Rondo. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7: I. Molto allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7: II. Largo con gran espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7: IV. Rondo. Poco allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: I. Molto allegro e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: II. Adagio moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: III. Finale. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2: II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2: III. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: I. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: II. Largo e mestoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: III. Menuetto. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: IV. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": I. Andante con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": II. Scherzo. Molto allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": III. Marcia funebreLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": III. Presto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein": II. Introduzione. Adagio moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein": III. Rondo. Allegretto moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": I. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": II. Allegro molto e vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": III. Adagio con espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": IV. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": II. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": IV. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "La chasse": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Kempff
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