Negative Positive
Title: A sublime performance of Beethoven's most profound Sonata
Review: I was pleasantly surprised to read the other reviews in which the listeners unanimously praised Kovacevich's performance of the great Sonata No. 32, Op.111, especially the Arietta. No one can express in words the profound, mystical beauty of this movement. Previously, my favorite performance was by Kempff, but the sound quality of this 60's recording leaves a lot to be desired now. I feel that I've been waiting impatiently for 40 years for someone to record this sublime masterpiece with contemporary recording technology in a way that does it justice as perhaps the most mind-boggling piece of piano music ever written. I'd like to add that every recording by Kovacevich of this nearly-complete collection of the 32 Sonatas has been extremely beautiful. (I think there are six left to go, including Les Adieux.) If you want to own a complete set of the Beethoven Sonatas, this is the one to buy.
Is the review positive or negative? 