This Prague recital was recorded on June 2, 1975, and is the first of three live Hammerclavier recordings that Richter made in June of that year. It is one of the greatest performances of this work I've ever heard. Richter simply understands more profoundly than other pianists the emotional desperation expressed here, and how it gives way to the most noble, heavenly and ecstatic joy.

This London performance was given a week or so later, and it is my favorite of the three--despite some mistakes, and a somewhat poor sound quality. It amazes me how different this performance is from the Aldeburgh recital. Please note that Richter gave his endorsement to these Stradivarius recordings (unlike the earlier Phillips edition, which he did not "authorize" and was upset about).

As noted, this is the same Richter concert, but at a more reasonable price ($14). Unfortunately, I can't vouch for the sound quality, as I own the Music and Arts issue above. Also, I should mention that as good as Richter is in the final three sonatas, I tend to prefer Serkin, Gilels, and Michelangeli in these works.

This is a 2 disc set that includes 1993 performances of Sonatas 30-32.

Some reviewers have expressed disappointment with the sound quality of the EMI References set above. Fortunately, there is also the option--albeit a more expensive one--of acquiring these performances on the excellent Testament label (3 CDs). If you can afford the extra money I'd definitely go with the Testament recordings.

More of the same.

Finally, there is also the option of a Japanese import release, which unfortunately does not include Solomon's Hammerclavier performance. While I have generally found Japanese issues to be of a high quality, my experience with EMI Japan has not always been entirely satisfying, as they have a tendency to thin down the piano sound in the upper registers in favor of a greater clarity.

I prefer Gilels recording of the Hammerclavier to all but Richter, Solomon, and Schnabel (and maybe Annie Fischer, Kempff, and Horszowski).

I"ve included this boxed set just in case listeners don't know about it, as it is the one of the finest sets ever recorded, but alas, incomplete. Please note that it does include all the DG recordings mentioned above, and is a primary recommendation (Gilels' "Waldstein" sonata is one of the best ever). If you are looking for a great set in mostly digital sound--this is the one to buy.

Michelangeli had one of the greatest piano techniques that I have ever heard--his recordings can sometimes sound like there are two or more pianos being played--and he is very good here in Beethoven's final sonata. It is a pity that he didn't record more Beethoven.

EDIT: This is the same Horszowski issue as above, except that this alternative or duplicate Amazon listing has some available copies, even if they are a bit pricey (check back as the price will vary). There is a companion to this Relief issue, which includes the Hammerclavier Sonata--Op. 106, but it is presently listed as "unavailable" on Amazon.

I tend to prefer Brendel's earlier Phillips performances, which are analog, to his later digital recordings. Like Kempff, Brendel's approach to this music is more classically conceived: yet, taken on its own terms, it is uniquely beautiful.

Pogorelich can be very controversial, but this recording of Beethoven's final Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 is well worth hearing--because when he is good, he is very good. If you don't care for it, the consolation is that you get a stunning performance of Schumann's Toccata, and a very poetic performance of the Symphonic Etudes.

This CD includes Gelber's performance of Piano Sonata No.32, Op. 111. Among digital recordings, Gelber is definite stand out (as noted, Gilels never recorded the last sonata.) If you wish to preview Gelber's Beethoven, just click on Amazon "Japan" below, and type in his name. Then click on only the Japanese issues, all of which provide listening samples (they also sell for $9-13 a disc).

This is the complete Schnabel set of Beethoven Piano Sonatas on EMI--recordings that no serious collector should be without; however, there are a number of labels that have released these "historical" performances--Pearl, Naxos, and Dante, etc.--and apparently the sound quality varies with each label: so, I would suggest that you read all the reviews to better understand your options.

Included in this 2CD set are later Schnabel performances from 1942 of Sonatas 30 and 32 (Op.109, 111), which have never before been released on CD. (Interestingly, Schnabel is one of the few pianists who tries to follow Beethoven's difficult metronome markings in the Hammerclavier Sonata, which is the only sonata that Beethoven left metronome markings for.)