Beethoven Sonatas - A Survey of Complete Cycles
Part 4, 1990 - 1996
 | Claudio Arrau II 1984* - 1990 - Philips France (Arrau Heritage Edition) Arrau, who started to record a cycle for Walter Legge with Columbia between 1947 and 1960 (only 11 sonatas were recorded), went on to produce one of the most cherished cycles for Philips in the 60s. Twenty years later, near the summit (if not technical peak) of his career, he recorded them again, this time in digital sound. Notably good digital sound, it should be pointed out. Broad interpretations meet with unforgiving clarity and regal rigor. Arrau died before he could re-record opp.27/1 and 106 which are taken from the earlier cycle. A 1952 Deutsche Grammophon Diabelli Variation recording is added as a bonus. Availability:
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 | Michaël Lévinas 1984 - 1991 - Ades Most of this cycle was recorded between 1988 and 1991, played on a Steinway. Availability:
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 | Abdel Rahman El Bacha 1984 - 1993 - Forlane Availability:
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 | John O'Conor 1986 - 1994 - Telarc Availability:
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 | Robert Benz 1988 - 1995 - Thorofon Available only in individual volumes, and those spottily only.
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 | Richard Goode 1989 - 1993 - Nonesuch .... Availability:
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 | Ian Hobson 1992 - 1996 - Zephyr Availability:
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 | Alfredo Perl 1992- 1996 - Oehms Classics Availability:
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  | Alfred Brendel III 1992 - 1996 - Philips (digital) This cycle dominated the digital age and contributed in good part to Brendel being the face of Beethoven for so many listeners. Availability: Reissued on Decca
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 | Malcom Bilson & Students 199? - 1996 - Claves Played by Bilson and six students of his, on nine different fortepianos from around the time of the composition dates of the respective sonatas. Availability (other than directly from Claves):
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Part 1: 1935 - 1969
Part 2: 1967 - 1974
Part 3: 1977 - 1989
Part 5: 1996 - 1999
Part 6: 2000 - 2005
Part 7: 2006 - 2009
Part 8: 2010 onward
If you have additional information about recording dates, availability, cover art -- or corrections and additions -- your input is much appreciated.
This survey is meant to list all complete sets of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas and their availability in different markets, not to review them.
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