Piano Sonatas (Late Selections, Nos. 28-32)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonatas Nos. 28–32 late 1970sGil's top recommendation for the set of five late sonatas. An 'incredibly skilled pianist,' his playing is 'structurally sound,' 'powerful,' 'rhythmically energetic,' 'nuanced,' and 'wonderfully delicate.' His No. 32 is 'especially really great.'
Apple MusicSolomon
early 1950sAn 'iconic Beethoven Sonata set' of the late sonatas. Praised for Solomon's 'technical ability, wonderfully strong tone as well as delicate touch,' and 'keen musical mind.' He 'really draws... out' the 'Hammerklavier' slow movement. Mono sound.
Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 29 “Hammerklavier” 1983A 'really, really strong version' of the 'Hammerklavier' (No. 29). It has 'profundity, that majestic, strong tone,' and a 'beautifully done' slow movement with 'gorgeous tone.'
Rudolf Serkin
Piano Sonata No. 29 “Hammerklavier” early 1970sA 'wonderful version' of the 'Hammerklavier' (No. 29). 'Technically just absolutely brilliant,' with a 'really, really strong' first movement and a 'very structurally sound' slow movement that 'doesn't linger.'
Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonatas Nos. 30–32 1963 Live in LeipzigA 'brilliant' and 'illuminating' live recital of the final three sonatas (Nos. 30, 31, 32). It features his 'technical skill,' 'strong tone,' and 'probing mind.' Sonata No. 32 is 'particularly moving.' Sound is 'a little bit noisy.'
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata No. 32 1965A 'captivating interpretation' of Sonata No. 32. Praised for its 'wonderful musical judgment,' 'clarity,' 'refined,' 'beautiful tone,' and 'very powerful' playing.