Beethoven Sonatas: No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux'; No.32 In C Minor, Op.111; No.19 In G Minor, Op.49, No.1

Released in 1967 on the His Master's Voice label, this recording features the young Daniel Barenboim during a pivotal period of his early career. As he began to gain international acclaim for his deep engagement with the Austro-German repertoire, these interpretations of Beethoven’s piano sonatas were captured as part of his broader effort to master the complete cycle. The catalog number HQM 1088 places it within the HMV Concert Classics series, which aimed to make high-quality performances of core classical works accessible to a wider audience of audiophiles and music students.

The design of this release reflects the minimalist, professional aesthetic typical of British classical record sleeves from the late 1960s. By pairing the technically demanding 'Les Adieux' with the profound complexity of the Opus 111, the collection highlights Barenboim's ability to bridge the gap between Beethoven’s classical roots and his experimental late style. At the time of release, critics noted Barenboim’s precise phrasing and technical command, marking the beginning of his lifelong association with Beethoven’s music that would eventually cement his reputation as one of the definitive interpreters of the composer's work.