Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 101 & 106 (Recorded 2021-2)

Maurizio Pollini

Released on 12/2/22 by Deutsche Grammophon (DG)
Main artists: Maurizio Pollini
Genre: Classical
Distinctions: Choc de Classica

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The autumn of 2022 has blessed us with some stunning escapes into the world of Beethoven. Three weeks after Anne Queffélec’s impeccable album devoted to the composer’s last three sonatas (Opus 109 to 111), Italian pianist Maurizio Pollini has delivered a recording of Sonata in A major Op. 101 and the unparalleled "Hammerklavier" Op. 106 (a feat many pianists can only dream of conquering). The programme offers a strange balance between form and content…

In terms of content, this release is a real return to roots for Pollini, who already recorded the ‘last sonatas’ in the 1970s (in fact, it was this recording that won him a Gramophone Award). With regards to form, this album was recorded in almost live conditions. Set in Munich’s Hercules Hall, an elegant but unsettling echo is projected over the pieces, providing an evocative backdrop to Pollini’s bright piano. In short, this release offers a broad vision of Pollini’s subject. However, this splendid view enjoyed by the pianist suggests that he may be forfeiting the connection to his audience and the creation of a here-and-now: where the only thing that matters is the union between performer and listener. It’s therefore difficult to know how best to experience these top-quality renditions. What exactly are listeners dealing with here? A passionate encounter between a composer and his perfect performer? Or is it simply evidence of a great pianist in his twilight years who has nothing left to prove? The answer to this, however, is not important. Ultimately, this is a magnificent revisiting of one of the greatest composers of all time. © Pierre Lamy/Qobuz

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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 101 & 106 (Recorded 2021-2)

Maurizio Pollini

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Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101 (Ludwig van Beethoven)

I. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto ma non troppo (Recorded 2021-2)

00:03:21

Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Maurizio Pollini, Piano, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Christopher Alder, Producer, Editor, Recording Producer, StudioPersonnel - Philip Krause, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lukas Kowalski, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel