Artur Pizarro "Beethoven: Piano Sonatas" SACD

Beethoven's famous 'Pathetique', 'Moonlight', 'Tempest' and 'Appassionata' sonatas played to perfection by pianist Artur Pizzaro.

'Pizarro must be one of the best pianists of the younger generation.' The Herald

'An expectional album of Beethoven from a rising young pianist – one to watch.' Gramophone

Since winning the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1990 Artur Pizarro pursues a truly international career. Renowned for his lyrical poeticism and outstanding virtuosity, this is Pizarro's debut recording for Linn.

Pizarro's choice of instrument for the recording has been informed by intensive aural research into a large number of Beethoven piano cycles available. Though in many ways out of fashion, his choice of a Blüthner concert grand piano, model 1 allows him to create his own soundscape: 'I selected a Blüthner because it's more nimble than a normal twentieth-century grand, more transparent in texture. I wanted something ridiculously expressive.'

Tracklisting

1. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathetique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
2. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathetique": II. Adagio cantabile
3. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathetique": III. Rondo: Allegro
4. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto
5. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight": II. Allegretto
6. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight": III. Presto agitato
7. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2, "Tempest": I. Largo
8. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2, "Tempest": II. Adagio
9. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2, "Tempest": III. Allegretto
10. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata": I. Allegro assai
11. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata": II. Andante con moto
12. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata": III. Allegro ma non troppo - Presto