Maurizio Pollini Edition (12 CD box set APE)

Audio CD
SPARS Code: DDD
Number of Discs: 12 CD box set + bonus CD
Format: APE (image+cue)
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Size: 3.15 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

# Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Karl Bohm

# Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major (“Emperor”), Op. 73
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Karl Bohm

# Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major (“Quasi una fantasia”), Op. 27/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (“Moonlight”), Op. 27/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor (“Tempest”), Op. 31/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major (“Waldstein”), Op. 53
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major (“Hammerklavier”), Op. 106
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959
Composed by Franz Schubert
with Maurizio Pollini

# Allegretto for piano in C minor, D. 915
Composed by Franz Schubert
with Maurizio Pollini

# Pieces (3) for piano (impromptus), D. 946
Composed by Franz Schubert
with Maurizio Pollini

# Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35, CT. 202
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Maurizio Pollini

# Berceuse for piano in D flat major, Op. 57, CT. 7
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Maurizio Pollini

# Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17
Composed by Robert Schumann
with Maurizio Pollini

# Arabeske for piano in C major, Op. 18
Composed by Robert Schumann
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Maurizio Pollini

# Die Trauer-Gondel (La lugubre gondola I), for piano (in 6/8), S. 200/1 (LW A319a)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Maurizio Pollini

# Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136
Composed by Claude Debussy
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Sonata No. 2
Composed by Pierre Boulez
with Maurizio Pollini

# Petrushka, movements (3) for piano
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Concerto No. 1 in A major, Sz. 83, BB 91
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Chicago Symphony Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major, Sz. 95, BB 101
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Chicago Symphony Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Pieces (3) for piano, Op. 11
Composed by Arnold Schoenberg
with Maurizio Pollini

# Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19
Composed by Arnold Schoenberg
with Maurizio Pollini

# Pieces (5) for piano, Op. 23
Composed by Arnold Schoenberg
with Maurizio Pollini

# Suite for Piano, Op. 25
Composed by Arnold Schoenberg
with Maurizio Pollini

# Pieces (2) for piano, Op. 33
Composed by Arnold Schoenberg
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Concerto, Op. 42
Composed by Arnold Schoenberg
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# Variations for piano, Op. 27
Composed by Anton Webern
with Maurizio Pollini

# Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
Composed by Luigi Nono
Performed by Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

# …sofferte onde serene…, for piano & tape
Composed by Luigi Nono
with Maurizio Pollini

# Masse, for piano, tape & orchestra “Omaggio a Edgard Varèse”
Composed by Giacomo Manzoni
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Giuseppe Sinopoli

# Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, CT. 47
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Warsaw Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini

# Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
with Maurizio Pollini
Conducted by Herbert von Karajan

Tracklist:

Disc: 1
01. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488: Allegro
02. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488: Adagio
03. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488: Allegro assai
04. Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major (‘Emperor’), Op. 73: Allegro
05. Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major (‘Emperor’), Op. 73: Adagio un poco moto
06. Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major (‘Emperor’), Op. 73: Rondo, Allegro

Disc: 2
01. Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Allegro con brio
02. Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Largo
03. Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Rondo, Allegro
04. Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58: Allegro moderato
05. Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58: Andante con moto
06. Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58: Rondo, Vivace

Disc: 3
01. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Allegro affettuoso – Andante espressivo – Allegro
02. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Intermezzo – Andante grazioso
03. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Allegro vivace
04. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15: Maestoso
05. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15: Adagio
06. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15: Rondo

Disc: 4
01. Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major (‘Quasi una fantasia’), Op. 27/1: Andante
02. Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major (‘Quasi una fantasia’), Op. 27/1: Allegro molto e vivace
03. Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major (‘Quasi una fantasia’), Op. 27/1: ADagio con espresione
04. Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major (‘Quasi una fantasia’), Op. 27/1: Allegro vivace
05. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (‘Moonlight’), Op. 27/2: Adagio sostenuto
06. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (‘Moonlight’), Op. 27/2: Allegretto
07. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (‘Moonlight’), Op. 27/2: Presto agitato
08. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor (‘Tempest’), Op. 31/2: Largo – Allegro
09. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor (‘Tempest’), Op. 31/2: Adagio
10. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor (‘Tempest’), Op. 31/2: Allegretto
11. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major (‘Waldstein’), Op. 53: Allegro con brio
12. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major (‘Waldstein’), Op. 53: Introduction, Adagio molto
13. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major (‘Waldstein’), Op. 53: Rondo, Allegretto moderato

Disc: 5
01. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major (‘Hammerklavier’), Op. 106: Allegro
02. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major (‘Hammerklavier’), Op. 106: Scherzo, Assai vivace
03. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major (‘Hammerklavier’), Op. 106: Adagio sostenuto, Appassionato e on molto sentimento
04. Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major (‘Hammerklavier’), Op. 106: Largo, Allegro risoluto / Fuga
05. Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111: Maestoso / Allegro con brio ed appassionato
06. Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111: Arietta, Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

Disc: 6
01. Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959: Allegro
02. Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959: Andantino
03. Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959: Scherzo & Trio, Allegro vivace… Un poco piu lento
04. Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959: Rondo, Allegretto
05. Allegretto for piano in C minor, D. 915
06. Pieces (3) for piano (impromptus), D. 946: Impromptu No. 1, Allegro assai*Andante*Andantino
07. Pieces (3) for piano (impromptus), D. 946: Impromptu No. 2, Allegetto*L’istesso tempo
08. Pieces (3) for piano (impromptus), D. 946: Impromptu No. 3, Allegro

Disc: 7
01. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 13 in A flat major, “Aeolian Harp” – “Shepherd Boy”
02. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 14 in F minor, “Balm”
03. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 15 in F major, “Carwheel”
04. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 16 in A minor
05. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 17 in E minor
06. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 18 in G sharp minor
07. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 19 in C sharp minor
08. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 20 in D flat major
09. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 21 in G flat major, “Butterfly”
10. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 22 in B minor
11. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 23 in A minor, “Winter Wind”
12. Etudes (12) for piano, Op. 25, CT. 26-37: No. 24 in C minor, “Ocean”
13. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35, CT. 202: Grave – Doppio movimento
14. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35, CT. 202: Scherzo
15. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35, CT. 202: Marche funebre
16. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35, CT. 202: Finale: Presto
17. Berceuse for piano in D flat major, Op. 57, CT. 7

Disc: 8
01. Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17: Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen
02. Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17: Massig, Durchaus energisch
03. Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17: Langsam getragen, Durchwegleise zu halten
04. Arabeske for piano in C major, Op. 18
05. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
06. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
07. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
08. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
09. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
10. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
11. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
12. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
13. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
14. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
15. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
16. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
17. Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 (LW A179)
18. La Lugubre gondola I, for piano (in 6/8), S. 200/1 (LW A319a)

Disc: 9
01. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 1, “Pour les cinq doigts” (after Czerny)
02. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 2, “Pour les tierces”
03. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 3, “Pour les quartes”
04. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 4, “Pour les sixtes”
05. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 5, “Pour les octaves”
06. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 6, “Pour les huit doigts”
07. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 7, “Pour les degres chromatiques”
08. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 8, “Pour les agrements”
09. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 9, “Pour les notes repetees”
10. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 10, “Pour les sonorites opposees”
11. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 11, “Pour les arpeges composes” II
12. Études (12) for piano in 2 books, L. 136: No. 12, “Pour les accords”
13. Piano Sonata No. 2: I. Extrêmement rapide
14. Piano Sonata No. 2: II. Lent
15. Piano Sonata No. 2: III. Modéré, presque vif
16. Piano Sonata No. 2: IV. Vif

Disc: 10
01. Petrushka, movements (3) for piano: No. 1, “Russian dance”
02. Petrushka, movements (3) for piano: No. 2, “In Petrushka’s cell”
03. Petrushka, movements (3) for piano: No. 3, “The shrove-tide fair”
04. Piano Concerto No. 1 in A major, Sz. 83, BB 91: I. Allegro
05. Piano Concerto No. 1 in A major, Sz. 83, BB 91: II. Andante
06. Piano Concerto No. 1 in A major, Sz. 83, BB 91: III. Allegro
07. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major, Sz. 95, BB 101: I. Allegro
08. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major, Sz. 95, BB 101: II. Adagio-Presto-Adagio
09. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major, Sz. 95, BB 101: III. Allegro molto

Disc: 11
01. Pieces (3) for piano, Op. 11: No. 1, Massig
02. Pieces (3) for piano, Op. 11: No. 2, Massig
03. Pieces (3) for piano, Op. 11: No. 3, Bewegt
04. Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19: No. 1, Leicht, zart
05. Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19: No 2, Langsam
06. Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19: No. 3, Sehr langsam
07. Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19: No. 4, Rasch, aber leicht
08. Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19: No. 5, Etwas rasch
09. Little Pieces (6) for piano, Op. 19: No. 6, Sehr langsam
10. Pieces (5) for piano, Op. 23: No. 1, Sehr langsam
11. Pieces (5) for piano, Op. 23: No. 2, Sehr rasch
12. Pieces (5) for piano, Op. 23: No. 3, Langsam
13. Pieces (5) for piano, Op. 23: No. 4, Schwungvoll
14. Pieces (5) for piano, Op. 23: No. 5, Gigue
15. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
16. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
17. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
18. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
19. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
20. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
21. Suite for Piano, Op. 25
22. Pieces (2) for piano, Op. 33: Mäßig, Op. 33a
23. Pieces (2) for piano, Op. 33: Mäßig langsam, Op. 33b
24. Piano Concerto, Op. 42: Andante
25. Piano Concerto, Op. 42: Molto allegro (Bar/Takt/mesure/misura 176)
26. Piano Concerto, Op. 42: Adagio (Bar 264)
27. Piano Concerto, Op. 42: Giocoso (Moderato)(Bar 329)
28. Variations for piano, Op. 27: Sehr mässig (at a very moderate speed)
29. Variations for piano, Op. 27: Sehr schell (very quickly)
30. Variations for piano, Op. 27: Ruhig fließend (calm, flowing)

Disc: 12
01. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
02. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
03. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
04. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
05. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
06. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
07. Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for soprano, piano, orchestra & tape
08. …sofferte onde serene…, for piano & tape
09. Masse, for piano, tape & orchestra ‘Omaggio a Edgard Varèse’

Disc: 13 (bonus)
01. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, CT. 47: Allegro maestoso
02. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, CT. 47: Romance
03. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, CT. 47: Rondo
04. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Allegro affettuoso – Andante espressivo – Allegro
05. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Intermezzo – Andante grazioso
06. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Allegro vivace

grand overview of Pollini’s recorded output

Maurizo Pollini, the great concert pianist from Milan, is shown in fine form throughout this 13 CD box set “edition” of his previously released recordings on the Deutsche Gramophone label ( celebrating his 30th year with DG ). The performances were selected by the artist himself and so retain a merit absent in some other types of repackaging “schemes”.
Hardcore classical music enthusiasts are rarely short of opinions, positive or negative, about this phenomenal musician. Like his friend Pierre Boulez, he is treated in some circles in almost idolatrous fashion, in others his playing is heard as cold, aloof, and mechanistic. However, even his detractors agree that his prodigious technique is married to an equally formidable grasp of form; “rambling” pieces are framed in a convincing way. His “architectural” approach ( he is the son of an architect ) is built up through careful study and sculpting of interpretations ( background research, various editions of scores, historical contexts ), some of which take decades to reach their recorded form. For better or worse, Pollini is simply not a “lover” of the piano in the way that others are. Yet it would simplistic to dismiss him as (merely) “Apollonian”, for he has reserves of passion and feeling in his playing ( especially noticeable in concert ) that other pianists of a more celebrated effusiveness lack. Nevertheless, he is justly regarded as an “intellectual” musician and his brand of seriousness can at times put a damper on the lighter elements of, for example, the earlier period Beethoven sonatas.
Pollini’s concert repetoire, stretching from Bach to Stockhausen ( neither of whom he has put to wax ), is weighted toward composers of the justly esteemed Austro-Germanic legacy and those ( noticeably ) outside its direct influence are rarely heard. In fact, Pollini’s well-known commitment to contemporary music is an interest firmly linked to the very core of Austro-Germanic tradition ( Luigi Nono was certainly an adventurous composer but attached in his own way to the same “musical humanism” that Pollini reveres ).
This box set “edition” features a goodly portion of Beethoven; two of Pollini’s famous 1977 recordings of the “late” piano sonatas ( including his highly touted “Hammerklavier” ) as well as versions of Concertos 3, 4 & 5. Regarding the mid period Beethoven, I’m not sure Pollini always takes the right approach ( the typically vacuum-packed dryness of DG’s recordings doesn’t help here ).
The lovely Mozart Concerto ( #23 ) done with Karl Bohm and the Vienna Philharmonic is included as is Pollini’s ( second ) recording of the titanic Brahms Concerto #1 (Claudio Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra ).
While the celebrated performance of the late Schubert sonata in A Major is included I was sorry to see that its “companion” in C Minor ( D 958 ) was omitted in favor of shorter pieces. Any late piece by Schubert bears some admiration, but this choice was an oversight, whether by artist or record company ( time constraints are not an excuse as the identical pairing was used by DG some years ago ).
It’s a well-known fact that Pollini came to prominence in 1960 by winning the Chopin competition in Warsaw. He has recorded a lot of Chopin’s oeuvre but only one disc is devoted to the Polish composer in this box set; the Etudes ( op.25 ) are nice choice coupled with a fiery performance ( c 1985 ) of the 2nd Sonata.
His early ( 1973 ) recording of Schumann’s greatest piano piece ( “Fantasy” ) is coupled with a 1989 recording of the Liszt Sonata (a natural choice considering each composer dedicated his work to the other ). Both are astounding performances; Pollini has Schumann’s “measure” and his rendition of the Liszt gives lie to the notion that he is cold and mechanistic.
Moving into the 20th century repertoire, I find the Debussy Etudes ( Books I & II ) admirable but overly “careful” in places. His interpretation of the same works in concert has a depth that didn’t quite make it to this recording. The coupling with Boulez’ 2nd Piano Sonata ( 1948 ) demonstrates a link between the two composers that is actually more evident in the recent work of the celebrated French composer/conductor. This early piece in Boulez’ output, ferocious and influential as it was, is not a favorite of mine ( I much prefer the roughly contemporaneous Sonata of the lesser known Jean Barraque ) but Pollini’s rendition is absolutely astonishing in its virtuosity.
The Bartok Concertos 1&2 with Abbado and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ( the only time Pollini has recorded with an American orchestra ) are simply dynamite; the CSO is uniformly excellent and Pollini tears through the fearsome passages with volcanic energy. The Stravinsky piano version of “Petrouchka” is included on this disc.
The edition has a disc dedicated to the “Second Viennese School”, featuring all of Schoenberg’s solo output ( 1974 recordings ) along with a tightly controlled version ( Abbado/BPO ) of the Austrian composer’s masterful “Piano Concerto” ( 1942 ). Anton Webern’s “Piano Variations” round out the disc ( unfortunately, no Berg Sonata ).
Finally, a disc devoted to the pianist’s late friend Luigi Nono (1924-1990). The 13 minute “Sofferte onde serene” ( 1976 ), dedicated to Pollini, is a fascinating piece for piano ( “live” and pre-recorded ) with tape. It would be an understatement to say that I am unconvinced by the “manifesto” nature of the other work on this disc; I admire Nono’s music in spite of my disagreements with his political beliefs.
An addendum to the set are two previously unreleased ( on DG ) performances: a 1960 recording of Chopin’s “Concerto #1” ( Warsaw Philharmonic ) and a 1974 recording of the Schumann Concerto with von Karajan and the BPO.