Klaviersonaten Nr.17 D-moll Op.31 Nr.2 (Der Sturm)-Nr.18 Es-dur Op.31 Nr.3

Released in 1963 as part of Deutsche Grammophon's celebrated Beethoven cycle, this recording captures Wilhelm Kempff’s second complete traversal of the piano sonatas. Kempff, a titan of the German piano tradition, was renowned for his poetic, inward-looking approach to Beethoven, favoring clarity and lyrical nuance over the more aggressive or percussive interpretations that became common in the post-war era. This specific disc pairs the 'Tempest' Sonata, Op. 31 No. 2, with the 'Hunt' Sonata, Op. 31 No. 3, reflecting the label's commitment to high-fidelity documentation of the canonical repertoire during the peak of the stereo era.

The production design reflects the mid-century aesthetic of Deutsche Grammophon’s 'Tulip' label era, characterized by the iconic yellow border and the focus on the performer’s intellectual authority. Kempff’s interpretation was lauded by critics for its structural integrity and his ability to balance technical precision with a deeply personal, almost improvisatory quality. His approach to the Op. 31 sonatas remains a benchmark in the history of recorded music, widely regarded as a definitive expression of the artist's philosophy regarding the balance between Beethoven’s rigorous formal structures and his inherent romantic sensibility.