Beethoven

Neville Marriner (conductor): The Complete Warner Classics Recordings (Warner Classics)

An 80-CD centenary salute to Marriner, with (or without) his ASMF [JW]

Adila Fachiri and Marie Soldat (violin): (Biddulph)

Fachiri, Tovey and Soldat: historic recordings freighted with significance [JW]

Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios (Bridge Records)

Excellent performances, engaging and rewarding [SG]

Michelangeli mozart CD1147

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (piano) Mozart & Beethoven (Music & Arts)

A must-hear for Michelangeli fans, and indeed for all lovers of great pianism [CC]

Beethoven: Complete String Quartets Volume 1 (Chandos)

Consistently magnificent performances, but comparison has a sting in the tail [MG]

Liszt-Beethoven: Complete Symphonies Vol 3 (Dynamic)

Vigorous and purposeful performances with an eye for detail [RCh]

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Beethoven: String quartets (Biddulph)

Two late acoustics from the Léner Quartet offer opportunities for contrast with their 1930s remakes [JW]

Beethoven Cello Sonatas and Variations Etcetera KTC1813

Beethoven: Sonatas & Variations for Cello & Piano (Et’cetera)

Maybe not essential, but certainly enjoyable [DC]

Beethoven: Overtures (Elatus)

(Déjà Review) There’s some great music here, so go and treat yourself [TH]

Artur Rodziński (conductor): The Complete Columbia Album Collection (Sony Classical)

Sony’s second Rodziński box fills a significant gap from his Cleveland years [JH]

Beethoven: Symphonies 7 & 8 (Pristine Audio)

Great, essential performances, clearly recognisable even with less than ideal sound quality [PBW]

beethoven trios hyperion

Beethoven: Piano Trios (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) It’s difficult adequately to describe the essential rightness of these performances [SV]

Dans nos yeux  – recital (Warner Classics)

Crossover, yes, but don’t let that deter you from some very enjoyable music [DJB]

aarhus organ danacord

The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)

Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]

Beethoven Harp String Quartet Chiaroscuro BIS2668SACD

Beethoven: String Quartets Opp 74 & 130 (BIS)

A very fine recording of the Harp Quartet, although the outer movements of the Op130 quartet are lacking in power and thus take the disc down a notch [MZ]

Beethoven: Symphonies No. 1-3 (ABC Classics)

Breathlessly executed – flashy, but no interpretative nuance [RMo]

Deja Review Beethoven Piano Sonatas Pires DG 4534572

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 13, 14 & 30 (Deutsche Grammophon)

(Déjà Review) This is a truly awe-inspiring offering from Pires which acts as a reminder of what a truly unique and inspiring musician she is [CC]

bacchetti concert monarda

Andrea Bacchetti (piano): In Concert (Monarda Music)

More than just a souvenir of a fine recital [DC]

Cordelia Williams (piano): Cascade (SOMM Recordings)

Simply wonderful piano playing [DMD]

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Shura Cherkassky (piano): The Complete 78-rpm Recordings 1923-1950 (APR)

An opportunity to savour Cherkassy’s seductive magic [SG]

yunchan lim beethoven deutsche grammophon

Yunchan Lim (Deutsche Grammophon)

Half a disc of Yunchan Lim’s Beethoven, live in Guangju, expands our understanding of the latest Cliburn winner [JH]

Beethoven mehta 37950 1

Beethoven: Symphonies 1-9 (Dynamic)

A long awaited cycle that is ultimately disappointing [LD]

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) Kovacevich’s technique is never in question, but the performances are somewhat mannered and un-spontaneous [SF]

Beethoven vol8 MS1472

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Vol. 8 (MSR Classics)

Nearing the end of his Beethoven piano sonata cycle, James Brawn continues to impress [RC]