Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano music with Artur Schnabel's iconic album, "Icon: Artur Schnabel." This extraordinary collection, released on March 23, 2009, under Warner Classics, showcases Schnabel's unparalleled mastery and deep connection with the piano repertoire. Spanning over five hours, this comprehensive album features a meticulously curated selection of works by two titans of classical music: Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.
The album opens with a series of Bach's most celebrated keyboard works, including selections from "The Well-Tempered Clavier," the "Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue," the "Italian Concerto," and two Toccatas. Schnabel's interpretations are renowned for their technical precision and profound musical insight, bringing a fresh perspective to these Baroque masterpieces.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Beethoven's piano sonatas, a cornerstone of the classical piano repertoire. Schnabel's performances of Beethoven's sonatas, including the famous "Pathétique," "Moonlight," "Waldstein," "Appassionata," and the monumental "Hammerklavier," are celebrated for their depth, emotional resonance, and structural clarity. His playing captures the essence of Beethoven's genius, from the stormy passion of the "Appassionata" to the introspective beauty of the "Moonlight" Sonata.
The album concludes with Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos in E-Flat Major, K. 365, showcasing Schnabel's versatility and collaborative spirit. This performance is a testament to Schnabel's ability to convey the grace and elegance of Mozart's music.
"Icon: Artur Schnabel" is not just a collection of performances; it is a testament to Schnabel's enduring legacy as one of the most influential pianists of the 20th century. His interpretations, characterized by their intellectual rigor and emotional depth, continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring power of these timeless compositions.
Tracks
Bach, JS: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850: PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850: FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 903: FantasiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 903: FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971: I. —Johann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971: II. AndanteJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971: III. PrestoJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Toccata in C Minor, BWV 911: I. —Johann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Toccata in C Minor, BWV 911: II. FugaJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Toccata in C Minor, BWV 911: III. FugaJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Toccata in D Major, BWV 912: I. Presto - AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Toccata in D Major, BWV 912: II. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Toccata in D Major, BWV 912: III. FugaJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel
Bach, JS: Concerto for Two Pianos in C Major, BWV 1061: I. —Johann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel/Karl Ulrich Schnabel/Sir Adrian Boult/London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult, London Symphony Orchestra
Bach, JS: Concerto for Two Pianos in C Major, BWV 1061: II. Adagio ovvero largoJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel/Karl Ulrich Schnabel/Sir Adrian Boult/London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult, London Symphony Orchestra
Bach, JS: Concerto for Two Pianos in C Major, BWV 1061: III. FugaJohann Sebastian Bach, Artur Schnabel/Karl Ulrich Schnabel/Sir Adrian Boult/London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": III. Presto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": II. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": IV. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein": II. Introduzione. Adagio molto -Ludwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein": III. Rondo. Allegretto moderato - PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": I. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": III. Allegro ma non troppo - PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux": I. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux": II. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux": III. Das Wiedersehen. VivacissimamenteLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": II. Scherzo. Assai vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": III. Adagio sostenuto. Appassionato e con molto sentimentoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": IV. Introduzione. Largo - Fuga. Allegro risolutoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und AusdruckLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: II. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragenLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: I. Vivace ma non troppo - Adagio espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: II. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: II. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. Adagio ma non troppo - Fuga. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111: I. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111: II. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Mozart: Concerto for Two Pianos No. 10 in E-Flat Major, K. 365: I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Artur Schnabel/Karl Ulrich Schnabel/London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Adrian Boult, London Symphony Orchestra
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