Beethoven: Appassionata; Waldstein; The Tempest CD

 Fantastically Played Beethoven Sonatas
First, let me say that I cannot recall a piano so beautifully and realistically recorded as the Steinway that Fazil Say plays. It makes an astounding difference in how you listen to the Beethoven coming from it! My highest regards to the recording engineers for their work on this standard CD. It sounds much better than any I've heard recorded in 5.1 by any process. Next, Mr. Say simply plays the bejeezus out of these sonatas. Huge sonorities, great differences between pianisimo and sforzando which will tax your replay system. His ability to find inner voices and little lines that others make common and which he makes needed is amazing. I simply cannot find enough positive to say about this man and his pianism. First rate. The recording should come with a hum filter of some sort. You guessed it...like a famous predecessor named Gould Mr. Say has a fairly prominant singing hum to accompany his piano. And why can't wonderful musicians such as he hum in tune? If he will continue to give us music like this he can hum all he wants. Summary: Whether you love Beethoven's Sonatas or not you really owe it to yourself to hear this recording. Buy it!!
Submitted by Poppynogood (Iowa City, IA) 
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 He is the Sensation for 21st Century
Until now my benchmark for Walsdtein Sonata was Gilels' 1972 recording on DG. Fazil Say brings an heretofore unheard of dimension to these great masterpieces of Beethoven. Truly exceptional playing, soul satisfying and exciting! If you have heard too many routine playing of these great works of Western Civilization you must experience them as this young pianist plays them.
Submitted by Abe (Los Angeles, CA)
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