Alfred Brendel, The Legendary Mozart & Beethoven Recordings [CD de audio] Alfred Brendel and Mozart,Beethoven

Until his retirement in 2009, Alfred Brendel was recognized around the world for his mastery of the classical repertoire that pushed forward the boundaries of the piano in the early 18th century. Here are his early recordings of these subtle and dramatic concertos and sonatas, all in stereo and all as fresh and dynamic in their impact as when they were recorded more than 50 years ago. Alfred Brendel's early recordings for Vanguard may have been scorned by the pianist himself as he particularly sought to hone his mastery of the classical repertoire, but they have stood the test of time. Brendel's Beethoven form then was perhaps more eruptive, his Mozart less gentle, and in concerts he was accompanied by stalwarts of Vienna's post-war music scene. This set includes Beethoven's complete sonatas and concertos, as well as the Choral Fantasy, several bagatelles, and many of the more obscure sets of variations, as well as a splendid early run of the Diabelli Variations. Eight Mozart concerto recordings include his favorite Jeunehomme K271, to which he returned many times during the course of his career, including his last concerto and recording; Mozart's smaller works in size rather than expressive content include the masterful quintet for piano and winds, the fantasy in C minor, and the consoling rondo in A minor.