Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101

A legendary 'Hammerklavier' from the genius of Richter; who reduced the audience to holding their collective breath, to avoid missing the last largo evolving into an irresistible allegro risoluto.

Live recordings: June 2 1965 [No. 27]; May 18 1986 [No. 28]; June 1975 [Hammerklavier] reissued from PR254022 authorised by Richter in 1996.

One of Eloquence’s chief credos is to bring back into circulation forgotten recordings or artists who’ve slipped from memory. ‘Hans Richter-Who?’ you might say. Born in 1912 in Dresden and taught there both by Hans Schneider and in the famous class of Robert Teichmüller, around the age of 30 Richter-Haaser moved to Detmold. At first Richter-Haaser took over the artistic direction of the city orchestra. But by 1947 he had already been entrusted with a piano masterclass. This must be seen as a substantial foundation for the rank and renown of the Detmold Music Academy, which in recent years has become a sort of forge for pianists. His recordings are, sadly, few and far between. He recorded Beethoven sonatas for both Philips and EMI. Issued several years ago on its ‘The Early Years’ imprint, these Beethoven recordings from the 1950s are long out of print and a much sought-after collector’s item. The sonatas are coupled here with Richter-Haaser as soloist in the Choral Fantasy, with Karl Böhm conducting.