David Allen Wehr's Beethoven Sonatas
Posted by: Oldnslow on 11 June 2008
I have been listening for a couple of weeks to the 32 Beethoven sonatas played by David Allen Wehr on Connosseur Society. Very impressive playing, maybe the best modern set I have heard. The playing is confident and compelling, with complete technical command. I can't think of one sonata where I thought Wehr was out of his element or failed to grasp the structure of the piece. The sound of the recordings are also fabulous. Connosseur Society has been making some of the best sounding piano recordings since the 60's--think of all those great Ivan Moravec recordings. I think the CS producer, E. Alan Silver, has been around all this time and he certainly hasn't lost his touch. Great clarity in all ranges of the piano, which in this case is a Yamaha. I rate this set ahead of those of Paul Lewis and Robert Silverman, two other modern sets I have acquired. To me, both the playing and the sound quality are superior, and I enjoy those other sets very much. Anyone interested in the Beethoven sonatas (who isn't?) may wish to give Wehr a listen. I'm glad I did.
Posted on: 11 June 2008 by Todd A
I agree the Wehr set is very good - though I must disagree about Silverman! There are a few places where Wehr doesn't play with enough nuance, and I was surprised at his comparatively tame Op 57 (I was really expecting him to let loose.) His technique is solid, and his left hand playing in particular is among the most powerful, clear, assured, and prominent I've heard. He brings new details to the fore and really hammers out some works.
I'm also a bit less enthusiastic about the sound. It is a bit more distant than I generally prefer, though Wehr needs the space, and in my system I hear a lot of the room, if you will, during the quietest passages. Minor blips.
(I do hope you bought it direct from the Society and saved some money.)
I'd have to say this is a solid recommendation for people wanting a modern, no-nonsense LvB cycle.
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Posted on: 12 June 2008 by Oldnslow
The sound in the Wehr set seems more focused to me than the Silverman and Lewis, which while very good and having great dynamic range, seems a little diffuse, making for slightly less clarity. I agree Wehr's left hand is amazing and in many of these pieces that is a critical component. I did get a pretty good buy, with some discounts, and ended up paying about $100 for the four volume set. I haven't heard anything else from Wehr, but this guy is way better than most of the more well known pianists.
Posted on: 12 June 2008 by Todd A
quote:
Originally posted by Oldnslow:
I did get a pretty good buy, with some discounts, and ended up paying about $100 for the four volume set.
For any other interested readers, Connoisseur Society sells it direct for $56, shipping included. Wehr's other Connosseur discs are all available for $14 a pop.
As to sound, it's definitely better than Silverman's though I prefer Lewis' set. My sonic benchmark is Ikuyo Nakamichi's cycle.
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Posted on: 15 June 2008 by Whizzkid
Oldnslow,
Is there any particular standout volume or should I just go for the first one in the series and take it from there. I have been enjoying the Ronald Brautigam on BIS which is played on a period Fortepiano so it would be nice to here the Sonata's on a modern Piano to hear the contrast.
Dean..
Posted on: 15 June 2008 by Steve S1
Dean,
Good to see you at Julian's. I've played those Ronald B interpretations since acquiring them from you.
They sound very fine in their own right. A modern instrument will add weight and range, but the fortepiano gives you great power in that recording.
Steve
Posted on: 15 June 2008 by Whizzkid
Glad you are enjoying them Steve I have very limited knowledge of Classical music but as a music lover the Pianist seems to know what he is doing. I had fun a Julians as well.
Dean..
Posted on: 17 June 2008 by Oldnslow
Whizzkid. The Wehr set is remarkably consistent. Volume 3 has the most big name sonatas in it, but all are very fine. If you can indeed get them all for $56 directly from CS, I'd spring for all of them that route as that would be a fantastic price for 8 CDs (four 2CD sets)
Posted on: 17 June 2008 by Oldnslow
P.S. Whizzkid. I started with volume 2--with Op.31 and other great sonatas--that volume perhaps the best of all four sets and is even better than Vol 3.
Posted on: 17 June 2008 by Whizzkid
Thanks Oldnslow,
I haven't seen them for the price you mention only in the double CD sets at $14 each from ebay which is via the label itself, but I'll have a look around.
Dean..
