IDAGIO | Beethoven: The Late Sonatas – Pre-war 78 RPM Recordings 5024709160181

Featuring

Wilhelm Kempff
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Interpretation

Wilhelm Kempff's playing style was described as having 'air round his sound' and being 'like an Aeolian harp,' contrasting with the 'masculine carving of solid granite' style of Wilhelm Backhaus.

Recording & Production

Wilhelm Kempff recorded the Beethoven sonatas three times throughout his career, including a nearly complete cycle on Polydor (Grammophon) 78s in the early period.

Recording & Production

Wilhelm Kempff made the first commercial recordings of Beethoven's Op. 81a, Op. 90, and Op. 101 sonatas, predating Artur Schnabel's recordings of Beethoven.

Recording & Production

Unlike many other pianists who found recording studios intimidating, Wilhelm Kempff approached recording sessions with a relaxed attitude, often asking what he should play upon entering the studio.

Performer Biography

Wilhelm Kempff, the pianist on this album, had a vast discography with Beethoven at its core, but also included works by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms.

Recording & Production

The German label Grammophon, which recorded these works, became an independent company during World War I and marketed its products under the Polydor label in other territories.

Interpretation

Wilhelm Kempff's later recordings of Beethoven sonatas show him playing fast movements slower and slow movements faster compared to his earlier recordings.