Brautigam's Fortepiano Beethoven Sonatas
Posted by: Oldnslow on 10 October 2006
I have been enjoying the first three volumes of Ronald Brautigam's BIS fortepiano recordings of Beethoven's sonatas--he's up through Op.22 so far. Very impressive and powerful playing--kinda reminds me of what Gulda might have turned out if he had a fortepiano. Just listened to Op.7, and I think this is the best performance of this tricky piece I have heard.
I don't normally listen to many period instrument performances of the classical reportiore, but Bruatigam manages to bring these sonatas to life in a new way. One gets so accustomed to the modern grand, paarticularly the legato and sustaining power of the piano, that it is a shock to listen to recreations of the type of keyboard similar to what Beethoven would have used. I very much enjoyed the speed and clarity the fortepiano is capable of producing, especially at the hands of a talent like Brautigam. While the slow movements are very difficult to bring off, the overall effect of the fortepiano here is quite convincing. I almost can envision Beethoven banging away at these sonatas! I eagerly look forward to the rest of the series, especially Op.31, which hopefully will be released next.
I don't normally listen to many period instrument performances of the classical reportiore, but Bruatigam manages to bring these sonatas to life in a new way. One gets so accustomed to the modern grand, paarticularly the legato and sustaining power of the piano, that it is a shock to listen to recreations of the type of keyboard similar to what Beethoven would have used. I very much enjoyed the speed and clarity the fortepiano is capable of producing, especially at the hands of a talent like Brautigam. While the slow movements are very difficult to bring off, the overall effect of the fortepiano here is quite convincing. I almost can envision Beethoven banging away at these sonatas! I eagerly look forward to the rest of the series, especially Op.31, which hopefully will be released next.