Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano masterpieces with Maurizio Pollini's extraordinary album, "Pollini Plays Beethoven." Released on December 30, 2016, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this collection is a testament to Pollini's virtuosity and Beethoven's timeless genius. Spanning a staggering 4 hours and 42 minutes, the album features 35 tracks that encapsulate the essence of Beethoven's piano sonatas, concertos, and chamber music.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Moonlight Sonata" (Piano Sonata No. 14) to the heroic and dramatic "Pathétique" (Piano Sonata No. 8), Pollini's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to these beloved works. The album also includes the majestic "Emperor Concerto" (Piano Concerto No. 5) and the introspective "Appassionata" (Piano Sonata No. 23), showcasing the full range of Beethoven's emotional and technical brilliance.
Pollini's performance is marked by a deep understanding of Beethoven's compositions, revealing the syncopated rhythms and intricate structures that define his music. Each piece is rendered with precision and passion, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to classical music a captivating journey through Beethoven's evolving style and innovation.
This album is not just a compilation of Beethoven's works but a celebration of his enduring legacy, as interpreted by one of the most respected pianists of our time. Whether you are drawn to the lyrical melodies of the "Waldstein Sonata" (Piano Sonata No. 21) or the dramatic intensity of the "Les adieux" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 26), "Pollini Plays Beethoven" promises an enriching and unforgettable listening experience.
Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: I. Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo ILudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: II. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo)Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": I. Allegro con brio - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": II. Introduzione (Adagio molto) - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 - "Waldstein": III. Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo) - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": III. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: I. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: III. Rondo (Vivace)Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": III. Presto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: II. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: III. Scherzo (Allegro assai)Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": II. Adagio un poco moto –Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": III. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - "Appassionata": I. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - "Appassionata": II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - "Appassionata": III. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": I. Das Lebewohl. Adagio – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": II. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivo –Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": III. Das Wiedersehen. VivacissimamenteLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111: I. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111: II. Arietta - Adagio molto semplice e cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: II. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: III. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": I. Largo - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": III. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Maurizio Pollini