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

This 1966 release on Deutsche Grammophon is part of Wilhelm Kempff’s celebrated second complete cycle of Beethoven’s piano sonatas. Recorded between 1964 and 1965 in the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Hamburg, these sessions were intended to capture a more mature, refined interpretation than his earlier mono recordings from the 1950s. The production benefited from the technical advancements of the era, allowing for the transparency and intimate clarity that became the hallmark of Kempff’s late-career approach to the Beethoven canon.

Kempff was widely regarded for his poetic, inward-looking perspective on Beethoven, often prioritizing structural balance and tonal nuance over the aggressive virtuosity favored by some of his contemporaries. His design for this recording was deeply influenced by his training in the German tradition, aiming to reveal the humanistic core of the works rather than just the technical architecture. Upon release, the cycle was met with high critical acclaim, solidifying its reputation as a definitive reference for listeners seeking a thoughtful, lyrical navigation of these complex scores.