Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique'

A generously-filled disc (75’) in which the great Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau performs three popular Beethoven sonatas taken from his complete cycle recorded in the 1960s; also included is Arrau’s recording of the rarely-heard Rondo, op.51 no.2

Following Warren Mailley-Smith’s debut release on Quartz Records, comes a delightful programme of Beethoven’s most popular and endearing piano sonatas. A reputation as one of the country’s leading solo pianists of his generation continues to grow with performances all over the over the UK.

“Rising star - great artist of tomorrow” BBC Music Magazine

“This musician is about to make a huge impression on the classical circuit” Classic FM

Recordings made in 1962–64 for Vox.

This CD contains the three most popular Beethoven Sonatas.

‘The playing is very deeply committed, very intense, but never ponderously philosophical’Gramophone

Alfred Brendel’s first recorded cycle of the complete works for piano of Beethoven appeared in the 1960s on the Vox label. They established his reputation as a leading interpreter of the composer, and although he returned to the studio subsequently to re-record the sonatas and concertos for Philips, these early recordings have retained their freshness and originality. For many record collectors, the budget price Turnabout label provided a happy hunting ground for those who sought out unusual repertoire. The parent company Vox also had the vision to ask the relatively unknown Brendel to undertake the huge project of recording all the Beethoven Sonatas, Variations and Piano Concertos. These recordings document the artist as a young man at the outset of his extraordinary journey, and in repertoire that will always be closely associated with him. They also stand comparison with his later interpretations of Beethoven.