First and foremost is German pianist Robert Benz. I know..."who?" you are asking. He is without a doubt the absolute greatest performer of Beethoven's sonatas I have yet to hear!!! What is a travesty is that his recordings are very difficult to find. They are not in one box set and you will spend a fortune (as I have) if you want the original discs. The 9 volumes are avaialble as MP3's here.

#3 is Wilhelm Kempff again. This time with his stero cycle recorded in the 1960's. Although this has better sound quality than the mono cycle, it does not have the same passion. Although you'll notice that both Kempff's cycles are #2 and #3. (note. this is a recent release and I have not managed to confirm whether or not this is the remastered set or simply the original stero set re-released.)

Jean-Bernard Pommier recorded a complete cycle for Erato. That cycle is out of print...However, you can find it at a very good price from Amazon uk. It is put out by warner classics.

Alfred Brendel's third cycle was a digital stero cycle for Philips. It is truly a wonderful experience. The serious collector will also want his first set that is availabe in 3 volumes from Vox.

Lewis volume 2.

Last but not least is the final volume...4!

Stephen Bishop Kovacevich is a passionate pianist, filled with fire. His Beethoven is not for the faint of heart. A wonderful cycle.

Wilhelm Backhaus recorded two complete cycles. This is the later stero cycle. His earlier mono cycle is also worth checking out. Both are amazing! But new commers to Backhaus will want to start here.

Friedrich Gulda's second cycle was re-released on the Brilliant label. I prefer his earlier cycle, but both are raw and powerful!

Craig Sheppard's is very interesting indeed. Definitely worth checking out.