Any opinions on Ashkenazy's Beethoven Sonatas

Posted by: Todd A on 23 October 2001

I can pick up the set relatively cheap, but as I currently own three complete cycles I'm looking for a darned good one before I'll part with the cash. I've heard a couple performances on the radio, but not enough to know whether I should go for the whole thing. Any help is appreciated.

Posted on: 23 October 2001 by Former member

Todd, I owned a few of the Ashkenazy discs at one point, and they were very ordinary. His playing style is leaden and uninspired, and he goes for superficial effects over deep insight. For Rachmaninov and Chopin he is very good, but not Beethoven. If you have Kempff, Gilels and Schnabel (and if memory serves me, you do have these), don't waste your money on Ashkenazy.

Ross

Posted on: 23 October 2001 by Todd A

Leaden is not something I want. I shall wait for something else.

And for the record, my current complete sets are John O' Conor (good), Artur Schnabel (Great), and Annie Fischer (Greatest!). I have an assortment of single discs, too.

Posted on: 23 October 2001 by Former member

Ah, Annie Fischer. I remember many years ago seeing a recital at which Annie Fischer replaced an indisposed Sviatoslav Richter (I think) at short notice. While it was disappointing not to hear Richter, no one was complaining about the replacement.

As you don't have either Gilels or Kempff (the earlier, mono set), and as both of these are now available at budget price, I think the way forward is clear ...

Ross

Posted on: 23 October 2001 by Cheese

quote:
If you have Kempff, Gilels and Schnabel

I would add Backhaus to this list, I guess you know him though. IMO a true artist, favouring architecture and not gimmicks.

I even enjoy his Chopin !!

Cheese - may all beings be happy