Klaviersonaten Nr. 4 Es-dur, Nr. 9 E-dur, Nr. 10 G-dur

Released in 1966, this recording is part of Wilhelm Kempff’s second complete cycle of Beethoven’s piano sonatas for Deutsche Grammophon. Recorded in the early 1960s, these sessions marked a significant milestone in Kempff’s discography, showcasing a more refined, lyrical approach compared to his earlier 1950s mono recordings. The project was intended to capture Kempff’s deeply introspective and nuanced interpretation of the repertoire, balancing structural clarity with a distinctly spontaneous, singing quality that became a hallmark of his late-career Beethoven cycle.

The album reflects the high technical standards of Deutsche Grammophon during the mid-century period, utilizing the label’s sophisticated stereo engineering to highlight the natural resonance of Kempff’s chosen instrument. The cover design follows the label’s signature minimalist aesthetic of the era, emphasizing the prestige of the performer and the timeless nature of the works. Upon release, the cycle was met with critical acclaim for its intellectual depth, cementing Kempff’s reputation as one of the definitive Beethoven interpreters of the twentieth century.