Classical Net

The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source

Related Links

Recommended Links

Give the Composers Timeline Poster



Site News

What's New for
Winter 2018/2019?

Site Search

Follow us on
Facebook    Twitter

Affiliates

In association with
Amazon
Amazon UKAmazon GermanyAmazon CanadaAmazon FranceAmazon Japan

ArkivMusic
CD Universe

JPC
ArkivMusic

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

CD Review

Ludwig van Beethoven

Piano Sonatas

  • Piano Sonata #7 in D Major
  • Piano Sonata #4 in E Flat Major
  • Piano Sonata #23 "Appassionata" in F minor
Angela Hewitt, piano
Hyperion CDA67518 77m DDD
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe
Also released on Hybrid Multichannel SACD SACDA67518
Amazon - UK - Germany - Canada - France - Japan - ArkivMusic - CD Universe

After a magnificent series of Bach recordings, star pianist Angela Hewitt now turns her attention to Beethoven's piano sonatas and if future releases are anything to go by this first disc, we are in for one of the most rewarding cycles of modern times. Her choice is well judged with Op. 10, #3 and the F minor Appassionata paired with the fiery Op. 7, a lovely cocktail if there ever was one.

Hewitt plays with indomitable fire, one only has to sample the energy and excitement of the opening Presto Op. Op. 10 whilst the mesmerizing Largo that follows rather reminds one of the composer's Second Symphony with the pianist suitably dreamy in her gossamer like interpretation.

The highlight of the disc must be the Appassionata Sonata which is really one of the greatest interpretations I've ever heard and that includes all the so called 'greats' such as Schnabel, Backhaus, Horowitz and Rubinstein to name but a few. The incredible sense of momentum that Hewitt creates in the opening movement marked Allegro assai really has to be heard to be believed. The same goes for the glorious Allegro ma non troppo that is as fiery as one could imagine; a true Romantic, big-blooded spirit.

Hewitt herself writes the programme notes which are also an important feature of this disc and will be looked at many a time by discerning scholars and enthusiasts alike. I really cannot praise this disc too highly and am already anxiously looking forward to the next instalment in this projected cycle.

Copyright © 2007, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

© 1995-2024 Classical Net
Use of text, images, or any other copyrightable material contained in these pages, without the written permission of the copyright holder,
except as specified in the Copyright Notice, is strictly prohibited. All Rights Reserved.