Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas

I'm only two thirds of the way through listening to Igor Levit's Beethoven sonata cycle, but am finding every sonata's rendition absolutely riveting. If you prefer close-up piano sound, then this recording will need you to adjust - it's more like a concert-hall balance (my personal favourite cycle for piano sound is that by Andras Schiff on ECM - incredibly realistic). Levit's performances will raise eyebrows frequently, but for me, in a good way. There's staggering virtuosity, but also the highest possible level of finesse.

I've listened to a large number of Beethoven Sonata collections over the years and have enjoyed many. I acquired this collection via download first but was so impressed I bought the set. I am not an expert musician but do love listening to music.Igor's playing really drives home the sheer brilliance of these sonatas. I cannot recommend this highly enough - it's fabulous.

If you are looking at this you will be familiar with the hype and all I can say is that it is as good as everyone says it is. My only gripe is that I already had 2 of the discs from an early release, but the irritating double-dipping doesn't take away from the quality of the whole.

This is the best thing I have bought in ages. The music is wonderful. On top of that, which of course is the main thing, the booklet is comprehensive, the disc covers are individual, interesting, and kind of arty, and even the box is good. The whole thing sings. Love it!

One of the very best, most exciting, most subtle and powerful performances of the whole range of the Beethoven piano sonatas. A must have purchase.

This whole set is utterly marvellous.

Works of genius performed by an artist of genius. For what more can one ask? This is a set to treasure.

This is a an important new recording, which I gave as a birthday present.

Nice recordings. Delivered in excellent condition.

Sehr mutig gekonnte und interpretiertes Spiel am Klavier. Einfühlsam im Ausdruck, Technik undGefühl der verschiedenen und geforderten Notenangaben des Komponisten Ludwig von Beethoven.Bin froh, dass es solche Pianisten gibt!

Une merveille parsemée de moments sublimes. Un prodigieux talent qui ouvre les yeux sur la couleur et les battements de l’âme de Beethoven à travers sa musique.

Sans histoire....

Premetto che non sono una intenditrice, sono solo appassionata; la musica classica mi fa vivere meglio.Ho letto diverse recensioni di questo set di CD. A me è piaciuto molto. Mi piace il tocco di Levit e il nitore con cui affronta questi capolavori. Concordo con l’opinione del FT secondo cui l’intero ciclo è molto consistente, pur essendo registrato in tempi e città diverse. Ascolto questi CD uno alla volta e metto lunghe pause tra l’uno e l’altro: come è stato detto, Beethoven è una montagna da scalare, e in montagna si sale piano. Così facendo, ho potuto apprezzare anche quelle parti che, secondo alcuni, sono suonate troppo velocemente: non sto a cercare il significato, mi lascio trasportare dalla musica. Comunque il volume del suono è sempre ben calibrato.Di questo set una cosa sola ho detestato: la scrittura microscopica del libretto di accompagnamento.