NRR Project: Beethoven
– Complete Sonatas
Performed by Artur
Schnabel
Recorded 1931
I could not hope to surpass the explanatory essay written by James Irsay about this project – you canread it here.
Suffice it to say that, despite the severe technical limitations of the 78 rpm record, the HMV recording company sought to get well-off listeners to subscribe to a project that would commemorate a classical composer. This they did, with a complete recording of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas, all performed by Schnabel, then the pre-eminent pianist of his day.
Listening to those recordings, it is remarkable how lively and playful Schnabel’s interpretation is. He moves at times with blindingly fast tempi, but does not neglect to illuminate the music by maintaining a clear, open sound.
The success of Schnabel’s project meant that many other classical artists began to find satisfaction in recording huge swathes of the classical repertoire.
The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next up: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
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