LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827)

1956 Recording

 

Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109

Recorded 28th - 29th June, 1956

 

Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110

Recorded 26th - 27th June, 1956

 

Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111

Recorded 20th - 21st and 25th June, 1956

 

Glenn Gould (piano)

 

All tracks recorded in the Columbia 30th Street Studios, New York City

 

The release of Glenn Gould’s 1955 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, (Naxos 8.111247) spread his name around the world as this was Bach playing of a style that was wholly new.

 

As a follow up, the 23 year-old Gould chose the last three sonatas by Beethoven which, at that time, were usually reserved for more experienced pianists.

 

With their sometimes unusually fast tempos (executed with remarkable clarity and precision) and omission of repeats, Gould’s performances originally attracted widespread criticism for daring to be different. With hindsight, however, they can be seen as perfectly valid interpretations that combine sensitivity and intelligence without a trace of sentimentality.

 

“A 1950s benchmark and a record that forever altered the way we hear Bach's Goldberg Variations, Glenn Gould's 1955 CBS recording, elegant and exuberant, a fast-lane excursion that occasionally pauses for thought… Naxos's excellent transfer is coupled with a confident Bach G major Partita.”

Gramophone on 8111247

 

Naxos Historical 8111299