Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata" 1. Allegro assai (00:01) 2. Andante con moto (11:08) attaca 3. Allegro ma non troppo (17:36)
One of the best interpreter of Beethoven. Though he is gone but he stands among the greatest pianist in my opinion. He should be given that recognition
No one played Beethoven better than Gilels in his later years. The Beethoven Piano Sotanas he recorded between 1972 and 1985 are the cultural heritage of mankind. While many pianists tend to retreat as they get older and fall into mannerism, Gilles showed interpretations that penetrate the essence of Beethoven's music with perfect techniques as his later years approached.
Heard him before in his Brahms Piano Concerts, which surprised me as being very good. But believe me, there is nothing like the Giles approach to the Beethoven piano sonatas. His 4th. and 5th. Piano Concerts are also great (not the last recording with Szell). But what he did with the Sonatas here, is out of this world. He simply opened my ears, as A. Benedetti Michelangeli did before, with his Debussy. I suddenly liked it all, thought I understood it, too. And it was not an easy way. For did not liked at all the Pollini performance of the Waldstein, Les Adieux or the Hammerklavier ones (excuses to Pollini). Thought it was an icy, a mechanical or too technical approach. Instead, this Gilles performances arose as a sensitive, even a romantic outlook of the whole. This crystal sound has a sort of inner magic, so much as to reveal the whole structure within the works in an easy way. It has a rare mixture of strength and delicacy. It is just a wonder. Gilles adapt himself so well to what he is playing that it all shows up clearly. Thought I could be hearing these pieces a whole life, and still thinking the same. So these recordings are somehow a landmark. Do not doubt, no matter what others may say. If you are planning to get these rather, some times difficult works, go ahead with the DG set. The sound is also very good. And the whole deserves treasures. A box that no collector could miss. Exquisite Beethoven. 🙄🤔😔❤️💎👌
One of the great interpretations! Gilels had such a connection to Beethoven (and Brahms!). But first of all he lets it sound as radical as it was meant to be. Just imagine when Beethoven played op57 around 1810 how terrifying it must have been to an audience who had never heard anything remotely comparable. After 200+ years it can still be mighty if played by Gilels, Schnabel or Sokolov. Hardrock made by Beethoven.
I imagine it just now (having heard this sonata played by GIlels hundreds of times) as a play or a macth between feelings/emotions and thoughts/the rationale. Just today, for me! It's like the whole curriculum of life :) as it should have been or has been lived.
Yes as he is one of these Russian school pianists still alive; I would like Sokolov to play this. Not as good as Richter and Gilels but almost and certainly very poetic. Unfortunately I think he has not included it in one of his recent recitals so far.
I have studied Beethoven for nearly 30 years and like others I have my favorite recordings in this repertoire (my collection is massive). I can tell you; no one plays Beethoven like Gilels. The guy even looks a little like the composer! His Waldstein and Tempest are also unsurpassed IMHO. The recording of the fifth piano concerto with Leopold Ludwig conducting is also one of Gilels most masterful achievements. Special, glorious music from another time.
It is all subjective. I've grown up with Richter's rendition and really cannot see your point. Had to fast forward Gilels here, while I could listen to Richter all day watch?v=CyO_Wga8EAg
@@vkoptchev I listened to both of them live performance in concert halls number of times. Definitely, it was many years ago (I'm 70+)... Their performance is VERY different, they are very different. I like Richter's performance, but I cannot imagine something better than Gilels one, especially when we're talking about Beethoven's sonatas. For me Richter was one of the greats, Gilels is genius. However, I agree w/ you - "It is all subjective"
For years I believe that gilels was not that good with Orchestra I mean in concertos even Beethoven concertos. but the version that you suggest for the 5 is really good. totally changed my mind but still didn't find a good one for beethoven 3 concerto any advice?? thanks you 🙏
Stepped away from my computer and was regaled with a 5 minute ad on a psoriasis drug between the first two movements. I didn't bother going to my computer for a while because surely the ad would be over soon, but nope, the side-effects just kept coming. Literally minutes worth of psoriasis drug side effects in the middle of the "Appassionata."
incredible, outstanding, beautiful sonata and excellent performance by Gilel. He is another favorite pianist besides Kissin.Beethoven is not only a genius but a virtuoso composer.
Remember Rudolf Serkin? He recorded this piece with a perfect balance of poetry and power. All three movements are great, but the sublte shadings in the 2nd are simply heavenly.
Different approach to interpretation. Also, different approach to training, posture and hand relaxation. It's so called russian and soviet piano school.
Людмила,есть ещё прекрасные записи великих наших советских пианистов Павла Серебрякова, Святослава Рихтера и Рудольфа Керера. Вот там какая мощь исполнения и красота! Послушайте,если найдёте в интернете. А вот Д. Мацуева,при всём моём уважении, не могу слушать.
