With this specially-priced two disc set, Garrick Ohlsson completes his survey of Beethoven's monumental thirty-two sonatas, a project that the great American pianist has been working on for more than a decade. Of Vol. 3 of this series, winner of the 2008 Grammy for "Best Instrumental Performance", Jed Distler writes: "The god of inspiration sprints hand in hand with Garrick Ohlsson as the pianist nears completion of his Beethoven sonata cycle. The present disc opens with one of Op. 2 No. 3's finest recorded performances. Ohlsson's lean, propulsive first movement incorporates distinctly contrasted themes and subtle tempo modifications. Everything hangs together so well that when Ohlsson leans on the accelerator for the movement's final octave outburst the effect is conclusive rather than vulgar. Ohlsson also plays Op. 14 No. 1 beautifully, bringing a refreshingly terse quality to the Allegretto by underlining its sudden dynamic shifts. Excellent sound and notes."
Reviews:
“With this, the ninth volume in his series for Bridge, Ohlsson completes a cycle of Beethoven’s 32. It is a triumphant arrival, adhering fully to the standards of excellence established earlier in the series. This recording is outstanding, brilliant at almost every turn. The sound is unimpeachable, the playing a delight. Ohlsson gives the audience exactly what it wants. This is truly wonderful music-making.” - American Record Guide
“The sonorous grandeur of his playing, combined with his alertness to Beethoven’s ever-present subversiveness, reminds me of his great teacher Claudio Arrau at his peak in the 1950s; and I can’t imagine any praise higher than that.” - BBC Music Magazine
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Disc A
Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1
Sonata No. 6 in F major, Op. 10, No. 2
Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3
Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54
Disc B
Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2
Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. 31, No. 3
Sonata No. 19 in G minor, Op. 49, No. 1
Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49, No. 2
Garrick Ohlsson, piano
BRIDGE 9274A/B (two discs for the price of one)
Related discs:
9468A/B, 9409, 9380, 9337, 9320, 9287, 9266, 9265, 9262, 9250, 9249, 9207, 9201, 9198, 9193, 9008