Pieter Wispelwey, Dejan Lazic - Beethoven: Complete Sonatas & Variations (2005) [SACD]

1792 is a magical date in the history of Vienna. In that year, a young and talented artist , only 22 years old, arrived from Bonn: Ludwig van Beethoven. Perhaps he will be able to fill the tremendous void left here by Mozarts death last year, some people must have thought.
But eyewitness accounts of Beethoven's first performances tell us that he received only mixed reactions from the Viennese audiences. They admired his innovative sonorities and amazing improvisations, but were more shocked than pleased by the unrestrained, even hectoring quality of his compositions. No, most of the Viennese greeted this new music with incomprehension. Too blunt, too unconventional, too wild, too assertive.
It cannot be denied that this gentleman goes his own way. But what a strange and laborious way it is. Not a trace of melody, everything sounds like a struggle. There is a constant seeking after strange modulations, unpleasant combinations, and a heaping-up of difficulties, so that one loses not only all ones patience but any possibility of enjoyment. Beethoven's dry response: They understand nothing. His time had not yet come..
Tracks:
DISK 1
01. Sonata In F Major Op.5 Nr.1: Adagio Sostenuto -
02. Sonata In F Major Op.5 Nr.1: Allegro
03. Sonata In F Major Op.5 Nr.1: Rondo: Allegro Vivace
04. Twelve Variations Op.66: On 'Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen' From Mozart's Die Zouberflote (4-16)
05. Sonata In G Minor Op.5 Nr.2: Adagio Sost.enuto Ed Espressivo -
06. Sonata In G Minor Op.5 Nr.2: Allegro Molto Piu TO.S.T.o Presto
07. Sonata In G Minor Op.5 Nr.2: Rondo: Allegro
08. Twelve Variations Woo45: On 'See The Conqu'Ring Hero Comes' From Handel's Judas Maccabeus (20-32)
DISK 2
01. Sonata In A Major Op.69: Allegro Ma Non Tanto
02. Sonata In A Major Op.69: Scherzo: Allegro Molto
03. Sonata In A Major Op.69: Adagio Cantabile -
04. Sonata In A Major Op.69: Allegro Vivace
05. Sonata In C Major Op.102 Nr.1: Andante -
06. Sonata In C Major Op.102 Nr.1: Vavace
07. Sonata In C Major Op.102 Nr.1: Adagio
08. Sonata In C Major Op.102 Nr.1: Allegro Vivace
09. Sonata In D Major Op.102 Nr.2: Allegro Con Brio
10. Sonata In D Major Op.102 Nr.2: Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'Affetto
11. Sonata In D Major Op.102 Nr.2: Allegro Fugato
12. Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 From Mozart`S Die Zauberflote"
Personnel:
Pieter Wispelwey (cello)
Dejan Lazic (piano)