Sonate Per Pianoforte (N.15 «Pastorale», N.21 «Waldstein», N.24 E N.25)

This recording is part of Wilhelm Kempff’s celebrated 1964–65 stereo cycle of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas for Deutsche Grammophon. Kempff, a titan of the German piano tradition, was renowned for his lyrical, spontaneous, and intellectually rigorous approach to Beethoven. This specific pressing, catalog number 2535 291, was released under the label’s mid-price 'Privilege' series, designed to bring foundational classical repertoire to a wider audience with the impeccable engineering standards characteristic of the DG yellow label.

The disc features the 'Pastorale' and 'Waldstein' sonatas, works that showcase Kempff's ability to balance structural architecture with poetic nuance. By the mid-1970s, when this specific compilation was issued, Kempff’s interpretations had long been established as definitive references for their clarity and tonal warmth. The cover design adheres to the classic, minimalist aesthetic of the period, prioritizing the prestige of the performer and the integrity of the composer over flamboyant art, reflecting the label's commitment to serious, scholarly presentation.