Re: F_MINOR Digest - 9 Aug 2002 to 10 Aug 2002 (#2002-142)

[Vincent Vo <Govincevo@aol.com>]

"I just bought my first disappointing CD of GG.  It is 'The GG Edition
Beethoven Liszt Piano Transcriptions, Symphony No.5 & No. 6'."

Wow... I never thought I'd ever find a negative review of the Gould's
recording of the Liszt Transcriptions. For myself personally, this was the
recording that allowed myself to separate Gould from a pianist who just
played Bach all the time.

It's quite unfortunate that even the most avid-Gould listener, have known
very little about Gould's Beethoven. I think the single reason why Gould's
Beethoven recordings are not as well-known is due to the ridiculous prices
Sony Classical has issued for these recordings. The two volume of sonatas,
and the concertos are at least $45 each. Its quite a pity because his
Beethoven is one of the most unique and stunning recordings ever.

As for recommed Gould/Beethoven recordings, most of them are excellent...
with the BIG exception of the "Appasionata" sonata and the last three
sonatas. This is a short list of some extraordinary recordings.

1.  5th "Emperor" Concerto w/ Stokowski conducting. (Gould's opening in the
first movement alone will be enough!)
2.  Sonata no. 3 in C-major
3.  Op. 27 sonatas
4.  Sonata no. 15 in D-major "Pastorale"
5.  Bagatelles, Op. 33
6.  Hammerklavier sonata*

* Alfred Brendel was quoted in the book "Reflections from the Keyboard," that
the "Adagio" of the Hammerklavier is the most moving music ever written for
piano. I've heard most of the major recordings of the Hammerklavier, and I
haven't heard any that comes to the intimacy that Gould has in the CBC
recording. The Fugue is also very exhilarating.