Discover the lost gems of classical piano mastery with Sviatoslav Richter's breathtaking performances of Beethoven's Sonatas Nos. 18, 27, 28, and 31. Recorded live in 1965, these previously unreleased tracks offer a rare glimpse into Richter's strikingly modern interpretations of Beethoven's timeless compositions.
The album opens with the vibrant and dynamic Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3, affectionately known as "The Hunt," followed by the introspective and deeply expressive Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90. Richter's technical prowess and emotional depth shine through in the nuanced performances of Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101, and the profound Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110.
Each sonata is a testament to Beethoven's genius and Richter's unparalleled ability to bring out the essence of these masterpieces. The live recordings capture the raw energy and spontaneity of Richter's performances, making this album a must-listen for both classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Immerse yourself in the rich history and timeless beauty of Beethoven's sonatas, reimagined through the lens of one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.
Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": I. Allegro - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": II. Scherzo. Allegretto vivace - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": III. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": IV. Presto con fuoco - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: II. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101: I. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto ma non troppo - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101: II. Lebhaft, marschmäßig. Vivace alla marcia - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101: III. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101: IV. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro - Live at Kunsthaus, Lucerne, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - Live at La Grange de Meslay, Tours, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto - Live at La Grange de Meslay, Tours, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: IIIa. Adagio ma non troppo - Live at La Grange de Meslay, Tours, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: IIIb. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo - Live at La Grange de Meslay, Tours, 1965Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter