Wilhelm Kempff (Centurion)

This is a somewhat reknowned CD by Centurion Classics, that albeit being very cheap has great masterpieces by Mozart and Beethoven, but played by magnificent Wilhelm Kempff.

Such depth in interpretation, with softness or anger, speed and expression. It is difficult (at least for me) to imagine a better one.



You may buy this CD for Kempff's piano interpretation, either Mozart's and/or Beethoven's Concerto (or Sonata), or the price... for any of these reasons you would have done right.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20	D minor	K. 466	Dresdner Philharmonic, Paul van Kempen (director)	recorded 1941
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3	C minor	Op. 37	Dresdner Philharmonic, Paul van Kempen (director)	recorded 1942
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 24	F sharp major	Op. 78		recorded 1932

Furtwängler: Beethoven, Symphonien 5 & 7

[post modified jun-2010]
This is a beautiful interpretation. I used to be a musical ignorant and snob to the point that I would have frowned upon the dull recording of this CD. Fortunately, this experiment (of listening to great interpretations) has broadened my enjoyment, and can now heartedly recommend this Deutsche Grammophon CD as a cornerstone for a collection.
What a wide range of emotion, the precision of the attacks and releases is of such beauty. Furtwängler is in control of the orchestra at each step. What a crisp orchestration.
Be prepared for some deliberate slowness in the 5th, and an overwhelming precision and impetus in the 7th. This was an opportunity for Furtwängler and the Berlin Philharmoniker to protest against the way Nazi Germany was heading towards the end of WWII.

Berlin Philharmoniker,Wilhelm Furtwängler

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Symphony 5	Cm	Op.67		Live, Berlin, Philarmonie, 30.6.1943
Symphony 7	A	Op.92		Live, Berlin, Philarmonie, 3.11.1943

And so it begins

The idea of collecting great versions of great musical masterpieces started a few months ago. I have invested some good money on it so far. I and a friend (esp. the friend, I must add) have been creating a list of great interpretations of great interpreters of great music from (sometimes) great musicians.
We pick the label, the recording, the work, and the musician. No need to pay more for the same recording; no need to pay less, either. Everything is set to build a great small sample of the most noteworthy work of great musicians. And those notes shall appear at BListener's Choice.