Kempff and Arrau reflect the beauty of interpretation and are perfect examples of why you should have more the one recording. Kempff recorded these works three times and this, his final cycle, is the culmination of a lifetime knowledge. OF THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION

Schnabel's survey is really the old testament of the new testament. With a combination of authenticity and intelligence, I cherish this cycle and recommend it especially for those experienced with these works. Of particular interest is Schnabels adherence to Beeth metronomone markings.

Though not complete, Serkin was my first Beethoven experience. I still return to his recordings for authority, passion, and intelligence. I adore his Beethoven and rank it as one of my personal favourites.

Annie Fischer[Hungarton]Very expensive and not to everyone's taste. This is, however, for those who know these works. I adore this set and return to it almost more than any other. This is one of the most passionate and individual sets on the market.

Love it or hate it, I love it and regard it as one of the top five finest sets on the market. The playing is as virtusoic as Kovacevich and as intelligent as Brendel. Absolutely unmissable and, for one looking to have the most well rounded cycle on the market-I would recommend this.

This is a wonderful cycle re-released by Music and Arts. I would recommend it more for Afic's than those seeking their first cycle. For those looking for a new cycle however, this is not to be missed.

Gould did not record them all and this set should only be bought by Gould fans. This is more Gould than Beethoven and despite some incredible playing-Gould ignores repeats, dynamic markings, and whatever else he feels like. I listen to this more out of a perverted fascination than for insight[though insight it has aplenty if only to hear these pieces anew]

[Hessian 1940's Broadcasts]-This is the single fastest version of the Appasionata I have ever heard-and almost note perfect, this even outdoes Richter's Carnegie Hall triumph in both speed and accuracy. Obviously you need to have heard the piece to appreciate what is going on.

Some love it, some hate it. Gulda's cycle is somewhat legendary. I particularly dont care for it, but many do, so it should be considered.

Rec Concerto REcordings-My favourite two are Fleisher's and Perahia's. Both are absolutely stunning and can be considered almost definative.

Pollini is a wonderul Beethoven interp, proven here by his early DG recording of the last Five sonata's which I still listen to often. He is recording all the sonata's currently for DG

Moiseiwitsch recorded Piano Cto's 3 and 5, and sonata's op53,13,27.2,and the Kreutzer Sonata. I love him so maybe that is why I love them. For collectors.

Best of the Rest--Ivan Moravec, FF Guy[Harmonia Mundi-Hammer.op109]Nelson Freire, Mitsuko Uchida FOR COLLECTORS ONLY-Lili Kraus, Elly Ney, Ernst Levy, Egon Petri, Myra Hess, Braughtiham[Period instrument], Yefim Bronfman Concerto Cycle,

My favourite interpr of the Triple Concerto[Richter, Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Karajan---what more could you ask for[maybe a little less Karajan but hey......] Also contains the finest Brahms Double Concerto ever from Szell and Cleveland[Oistr,Rostro]

unlike his recent beethoven sonata survey, these cello sonata's are a complete success. I cant say enough about how unique and lively they are. Wonderful!