Beethoven Piano Sonatas 1-32 (complete) performed by Daniel Barenboim during what are called “The Pierre Boulez Saal Sessions” over 2 weeks in May 2020. Extras include an interview with Barenboim and recordings of 3 masterclasses on Beethoven sonatas taught by Barenboim. Directed for TV by Frédéric Delesques. Released 2022, 4 Blu-ray discs have 5.1 dts-HD Master Audio sound. Grade: NA
Barenboim, the world’s most prominent musician, has already recorded Beethoven piano sonatas many times including several complete cycles. We already have all these sonatas recorded in Blu-ray by Rudolf Buchbinder. But we gave those recordings a D+ grade because we didn’t like Buchbinder’s performance concept and the video (also by Frédéric Delesques!) is slovenly. At age 78 in 2020, Barenboim had vast recording experience, so we fondly hope this new set will be excellent. This assumes, of course, that Barenboim’s piano prowess had not declined at age 78 and that Delesques had learned how to record a piano in Blu-ray.
We should be wary. We wonder when the portrait of Barenboim used in the package artwork was made and whether it has been spruced up. But the official trailer below is mildly encouraging. If you have seen something from this box set, please let us know what you think about it.
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