A compendium of marvellous performances from the grand old Beethovenian, Wilhelm Backhaus. These performances have all the gravitas traditionally associated with this pianist but also youthful fire in such pieces as the ‘Appassionata’. The three ‘big name’ sonatas frame two ‘little’ ones – the charming Op. 78 and 79, respectively – ‘A Therese’ and ‘Alla tedesca’.
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 ‘Tempest’
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘ Appassionata’
Piano Sonata No. 24 in F sharp major, Op. 78 ‘A Therese’
Piano Sonata No. 25 in G major, Op. 79 ‘Alla tedesca’
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E flat major, Op. 81a ‘Les Adieux’
Wilhelm Backhaus, piano