Credits:

George Szell

Description:

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Stephen Kovacevich made his international debut at the Wigmore Hall in 1961. Since then, he has been noted as a Beethoven player, and began his performance career based in London. 1965's "The Emperor" with Colin Davis sealed his reputation, and in 1967 he made his New York debut. His recording of Bartók's Piano Concerto No. 2 won an Edison Award. In addition, he received the dedication and premiered Richard Rodney Bennett's Piano Concerto. Kovacevich's Beethoven playing is straightforward, allowing the emotions to flow through the music. The subtle tempo rubato during the changes of mood creates a unique flow, which is typical of Kovacevich's expression. Warner Music Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Sonata in F Minor Op.2 No.1 : I. Allegro
2.Sonata in F Minor Op.2 No.1 : II. Adagio
3.Sonata in F Minor Op.2 No.1 : III. Menuetto (Allegretto) and Trio
4.Sonata in F Minor Op.2 No.1 : IV. Prestissimo
5.Piano Sonata No.2 in A Op.2 No.2 : I. Allegro vivace
6.Piano Sonata No.2 in A Op.2 No.2 : II. Largo appassionato
7.Piano Sonata No.2 in A Op.2 No.2 : III. Scherzo (Allegro) and Trio
8.Piano Sonata No.2 in A Op.2 No.2 : IV. Rondo (Grazioso)
9.Piano Sonata No.3 in C major Op.2 No.3 : I. Allegro con brio
10.Piano Sonata No.3 in C major Op.2 No.3 : II. Adagio
11.Piano Sonata No.3 in C major Op.2 No.3 : III. Scherzo (Allegro) and Trio
12.Piano Sonata No.3 in C major Op.2 No.3 : IV. Allegro assai
13.Piano Sonata No.7 in D major Op.10 No.3 : Menuetto - Allegro
14.Piano Sonata No.7 in D major Op.10 No.3 : Rondo - Allegro
15.Piano Sonata No.14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2, "Moonlight" : II. Allegretto
16.Piano Sonata No.14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2, "Moonlight" : III. Presto agitato
17.Piano Sonata No.15 in D Major, Op.28, "Pastoral" : I. Allegro
18.Piano Sonata No.15 in D Major, Op.28, "Pastoral" : II. Andante
19.Piano Sonata No.15 in D Major, Op.28, "Pastoral" : III. Scherzo (Allegro vivace)
20.Piano Sonata No.15 in D Major, Op.28, "Pastoral" : IV. Rondo (Allegro ma non troppo)