Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Allegro ma non tanto
2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
3. Adagio cantabile -
4. Allegro vivace
5. Adagio sostenuto -
6. Allegro
7. Rondo. Allegro vivace
8. Adagio sostenuto e espressivo -
9. Allegro molto più tosto presto
10. Rondo. Allegro

Disc 2:

1. Andante -
2. Allegro vivace
3. Adagio - Tempo d'Andante -
4. Allegro vivace
5. Allegro con brio
6. Adagio con nolto sentimento d'affeto -
7. Allegro fugato

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #289769 in Music
• Released on: 1999-05-25
• Number of discs: 2

Customer Reviews

Gorgeous classical chamber music
I have not heard Bylsma's earlier recording with Malcolm Bilson- who would be my fortepianist of choice over Immerseel- but this is a great set. The playing is surprisingly romantic for two historical performance experts, but this is in no way a bad thing. While Bylsma's intonation is not always perfect, his texture and feel for the music is exemplary, and his instrument sounds fine indeed. Immerseel also creates a very warm, rich feel with his keyboard playing.

Beethoven's cello sonatas are one of those rare sets of works for which there are numerous period performances, most of which would be good choices. Also check out Chrisophe Coin with Patrick Cohen. Anthony Pleeth and Melvyn Tan have a very affordable set as well.

I don't think the balance is in favor of the piano, as many critcs have said, but rather quite equal, and the interplay between the two instruments is intricate and captivating. There is a dearth of cello works from the classical period, in my opinion, and even as this veers toward an early romantic sound, it is a most welcome addition to the canon.

Non-Heroic, Mature Beethoven
I have been enjoying Beethoven's cello sonatas by (now historical) DuPre-Barenboim live recording, modern piano prevailing over cello. In Bylsma-Immerseel set, the balance is ideal thanks to the early 19 century fortepiano played by Immerseel. The overall atmosphere is intimate and mature. And the difficult Op. 102-2 is played with confidence, without trace of technical difficulty. Recommended to people who does not regard Beethoven as a heroic composer, but a unexpectedly 'orthodox' composer. Recording is vivid. (Only reservation: what a cover picture! Sony should be more esthetic!)

Beethoven's Wonderful Sonatas
This is a great Beethoven set. Immerseel and Bylsma do a wonderful job on Beethoven's complex but canorous melodies.