Klaviersonaten Nr. 11 B-Dur, Nr. 13 Es-Dur, Nr. 27 E-Moll

Released in 1965 by Deutsche Grammophon, this recording is part of Wilhelm Kempff’s second complete cycle of the Beethoven piano sonatas. Kempff, a pianist renowned for his intellectual depth and poetic interpretation, recorded this stereophonic collection in the Hannover-Beethovensaal. These sessions are widely regarded as a definitive benchmark in the performance of Beethoven's keyboard works, capturing the pianist at the height of his mature artistic powers.

The design of the 138939 release follows the classic Deutsche Grammophon aesthetic of the mid-1960s, featuring the iconic yellow border and the clear, minimalist typography that defined the label's branding during the era. The production was overseen by legendary recording engineers who prioritized transparency and balance, aiming to reflect the natural acoustics of the performance space rather than artificial studio enhancement. It remains a cornerstone of the classical catalog, praised for its clarity and the nuanced, lyrical approach Kempff brought to the transition between Beethoven’s early and late periods.