What are you listening to now ?

[Quijote]

Appropriate in a Covid era! Is this the Del mar edit of the Sextet version popular in Beethoven's time?

No, it's a reconstruction of the 1807 sextet version made by Hans-Werner Kuthen.
https://www.henle.de/en/about-us/con...erner-kuethen/

[Peter]

Ok, different editor, but surely based on the same 1807 Sextet version (String quintet and piano)?

[Quijote]

Yes, that's right.

[Quijote]

While we're on chamber versions, here's the piano trio arrangement Beethoven made of his 2nd Symphony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15uio0oIEpI

[Quijote]

And here's the same arrangement on period instruments:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PoBiubTFJQ

[Quijote]

I've also been working on Haydn's Piano Sonata N? 53 in E minor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TTbrU8bFdM

[Quijote]

And once again, here's the same on a fortepiano (played by Ronald Brautigam):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69w51HpB5hs

I know which one I prefer - what about you?

[Peter]

And once again, here's the same on a fortepiano (played by Ronald Brautigam):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69w51HpB5hs

I know which one I prefer - what about you?

Well the Brautigam is Haydn! Honestly I like Ax, charming man but his performance of the Haydn is dreary.

[Sorrano]

This morning the radio came on with a wind arrangement of Beethoven's 7th Symphony. That was quite refreshing and took me by surprise. Last night Exploring Music with Bill McLaughlin featured the music of Hindemith, which will be the topic for this week. Last night there were some early chamber music (violin, viola sonatas, quartet, etc.).

[Quijote]

Beethoven: 32 Variations in C Minor, WoO 80
Diabelli they ain't but still, what a delight!
In this YouTube link there are 3 consecutive performances (Perahia, Mustonen, Kissin).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-qdxKyR9PU

[Peter]

Beethoven: 32 Variations in C Minor, WoO 80
Diabelli they ain't but still, what a delight!
In this YouTube link there are 3 consecutive performances (Perahia, Mustonen, Kissin).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-qdxKyR9PU

Apparently Beethoven didn't value them enough to grant them an opus number. Actually I think they're very fine, especially when played by Gilels which I rank over Perahia, Mustonen and Kissin. I haven't played them in years, since I was a student and they're not easy to play!

[Chris]

Yes, a great set of variations. When I first heard it I was surprised to find such a substantial work without an opus number.

[euphony131]

I have been streaming this very heralded set (though I know it has its detractors). I'm now tempted to purchase it on CD. Yes, I still like CDs! The current cost on Amazon US is sooooo tempting! $46.80!

I really enjoyed Anthony Tommasini's article on the recording: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/03/a...o-sonatas.html
He even shows side-by-side comparison audio clips with Schnabel!
It's probably no surprise who comes out sounding better.

[Quijote]

Apparently Beethoven didn't value them enough to grant them an opus number. Actually I think they're very fine, especially when played by Gilels which I rank over Perahia, Mustonen and Kissin. I haven't played them in years, since I was a student and they're not easy to play!

Well, that Gilels is quite rough and ready, I must say, but yeah, impressive. I'd like to try and find a HIP version. Might you have one to hand?

[Michael]

Yes, a great set of variations. When I first heard it I was surprised to find such a substantial work without an opus number.

This has always been a mystery to me. When Beethoven came across the work many years later, he reportedly muttered something like: "Oh, Beethoven, what were you doing!"

A strange remark which should have been applied to something like "Wellington's Victory" and not this wonderful piece.