Piano Sonatas Complete [Box set, Import]

I had been mostly "away" from music for a number of years. Back then, my favorite pianists for most everything were Sviatislav Richter and Aldo Ciccolini, and more recently, Konstantin Lifschitz. Certainly, Richter has left us one of the all-time performances of the "Appassionata," but I was totally unprepared for John O'Conor's unassuming brilliance and generosity of spirit when I first heard it. From the reviewer in Ithaca, it is now clear to me that his approach to Beethoven is a completely honest reflection of his own personality, which must be a gift to all who know him.

Most other reviewers have amply described what I can only call a remarkable slight of hand in his playing of these pieces, probably something that one can only hear in a chamber or solo setting that is as closely miked as this one. Of course, his pure and full tone comes, in part, from the remarkable Hamburg Steinway that he plays throughout, and that notably takes prominent credit on every disc. But, as any one who has tried and failed knows, even on the best of pianos the result can only match the skill of the performer, and in Mr. O'conor, this piano merely amplifies his already infinitely sensitive touch. Combined with impeccable precision and a flexibility of tempo that never loses the meter, he gives us a kind of relaxed intensitiy that never takes itself too seriously, yet never wavers in its fidelity of purpose.

Mr. O'Conor manages, in every bar, to strike the crystal with perfection and back away from its endless song. In short, he opens Beethoven for all but the dullest ear to see. Thus, I can only hope that this recording of the complete Beethoven sonata cycle never leaves the catalog and generously rewards Mr. O'Conor, as it does us, into a long and fulfilling life.

I think that Ashkenazy is the true genius of Beethoven performance. His sonatas are so well-played and with so much feeling that it brought tears to my eyes when I listened to the Moonlight Sonata. The Appassionata is played with so much vivacity and crispness that it astounded me.

At first I was trying to compare the quality to the set of Mozart sonatas by Andras Schiff that I own, but quickly became aware that these sonatas are something different entirely. John O'Conor plays these sonatas (especially the latter ones) with just the right amount of passion, emotion, and force. He is more than up to the task technically, which becomes evident very quickly. His strokes are clean and distinct. The recordings are also second to none. They are simply outstanding. There is no backgroup fuzz or sound inconsistencies of any kind. All you hear is the beautiful piano as if it were played in some kind of vacuum. Its not like the set of Beethoven piano concertoes that I own where I swear I can hear people talking in the background, and hear the performer breathing, turning sheet music, or other oddities. A truly excellent recording job.

I have heard various interpretations of these sonatas by various performers, and I compare all of them to John O'Conor's performances. For one reason or another, every sonata in this set seems to have something more, an extra "umph" that sets it apart from other performances. This, I feel, becomes apparent to even the novice listener. Just listen to the "Waldstein", "Tempest" or "Hammerklavier" and you will understand for yourself. They are truly inspired performances. I can't stop thinking that this is how Beethoven would have played his pieces if he were here today. Mr. O'Conor is a tribute to his profession and this is THE definitive set of Beethoven sonatas. The resonable price doesn't hurt either! I would recommend this set to anyone.