Wilhelm Kempff: Great Pianists of the 20th Century

This CD from Philips Great Pianists of the 20th Century is the second of a 3 part view of Wilhelm Kempff, as chosen by Alfred Brendel, who admired Kempff.

I would have to agree that Michael Steinberg, whose comments appear in the accompanying booklet, that Kempff is particularly simple (I would add sober) in all these interpretations.

I, and now I am sure I am being shallow as my opinion contradicts Brendel's, did not like this CD. CD-2 I do not foresee me listening to, and CD-1 I am sure I can find more pleasurable (at least to my ear and experience) versions.

Regardless, this CD comes quite recommended elsewhere.

CD 1 Franz Schubert Piano Sonata in Am, D845 Moderato Andante, poco mosso Scherzo, Allegro vivace Rondo, Allegro vivace Beethoven Piano Sonata in Em, Op.90 Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen Mozart Piano Concerto #23 in A, KV 488 Ferdinand Leitner/Bamberger Symphoniker Allegro Adagio Allegro assai

CD 2 Franz Liszt Deux Légendes Saint François d'Assise: la prédication aux oiseaux Saint François de Paule marchant sur les flots Années de pèlerinage Première année: Suisse excerpts (7, 2, 4) Deuxième année: Italie excerpts (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) JS Bach + Kempff Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 Jesus bleibet meine Freude (from BWV 147) Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme (from BWV 140)