Beethoven Piano Sonatas Nos. 21, 26, 31 & 14 - Classical Music CD for Piano Lovers & Students | Perfect for Home Listening, Study Sessions & Music Appreciation

This CD is the first one - to my best knowledge - the great Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire devotes to Beethoven. This is true at least for the recent 10-15 years when Freire has exclusively recorded for DECCA, so that one can consider this as his mature, mellow and definitive vision on the great Viennese composer. From the very debut of the record with a "Waldstein" Sonata (displayed at a brisk speed) till the last note of the "Moonlight" (tormented and thrilling finale), the approach aims at unfolding the sharp contrasts, the conflicting moods and profound feelings Beethoven intended to put in his music right from his soul. They are the feelings of a vast inner world, the sound expression of a honest conscience and wrestling sensitivity. Although, there are many possible visions of the same repertory - I briefly remind Alfred Brendel, Radu Lupu, Louis Lortie, Andras Schiff, Rudolf Buchbinder or Maurizio Pollini among the living greatest pianists who partially or entirely committed to disc the Beethoven's sonata legacy - this short journey Nelson Freire takes into Beethoven's realm is a convincing one. It can stand in its own right along those of the above mentioned greats, for it resembles none. Yet it challenges radically none of the boulevards the great maestros of the past paved to the essence of Beethoven's substance. There is no competition spirit or empty vanity in Freire's approach. On contrary, his way of dealing with the four masterpieces included on this disc is a respectful one. His admiration for this music (which evidently rejoices and suits him) is not a source of emotional paralysis, but rather a motivation to initialize an uninhibited dialogue. There is force in his fingers. There is genuine romantic turmoil in virtuosity passages, as serene kindness surfaces from time to time in slow movements and testifies for a pained soul. Opus 110 is bold and agitated till it takes off to the sky (3rd movement), concluding the proceedings in a pacified departure from the mundane ado.If you want to regale you with a droplet of seductive aromas of great music in the company, this is the item to begin with. Beethoven and Nelson Freire are there for you. You won't be disappointed!