Sviatoslav Richter - Beethoven: The Last Three Piano Sonatas (2017)

Soviet pianist Sviatoslav Richter is still regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time. He was known for the depth of his interpretations, his virtuoso technique, and his vast repertoire. His career was truly launched with he won the Stalin Prize in 1949, leading to extensive concert tours across Russia, Eastern Europe, and China. For this release, which was recorded in Leipzip in 1963, he beautifully performs Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas, Op. 109, 110, and 111, as well as several of his other sonatas, including the “Appassionata” and “Der Sturm.”

Track List:

CD 1
1. Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": I. Andante con variazioni 7:00
2. Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": II. Scherzo. Molto allegro 2:52
3. Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": III. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un eroe 6:08
4. Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26 "Funeral March": IV. Allegro 2:25
5. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: I. Presto 6:34
6. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: II. Largo e mesto 8:36
7. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: III. Menuetto. Allegro - Trio 2:49
8. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: IV. Rondo. Allegro 3:48
9. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest": I. Largo - Allegro 9:23
10. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest": II. Adagio 7:18
11. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest": III. Allegretto 7:00
12. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": I. Allegro assai 10:47

CD 2
1. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": II. Andante con moto 5:55
2. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": III. Allegro ma non troppo - Presto 7:13
3. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: I. Vivace ma non troppo 3:01
4. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: II. Prestissimo 2:21
5. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. Theme. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo - Variations 1-6 12:42
6. Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo 6:24
7. Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto 2:27
8. Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. Adagio ma non troppo - Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo 11:39
9. Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111: I. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato 8:07
10. Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111: II. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile 15:38

Performers:
Sviatoslav Richter, piano