Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata" - Artur Schnabel

0:00 Allegro assai
8:59 Andante con moto
14:59 Allegro ma non troppo - Presto
Played by Artur Schnabel - like lightning!

[@andrewlord5615]

That's a whirlwind of a performance. Kempf takes around 24 and a half minutes, Pollini about 23 and a bit but here's Schnabel ripping through it in 22 flat. I think the third movement in particular probably is too fast - the final few bars are all a bit of a blur - but it's definitely a thrill ride.

[@davidrodger9290]

YesChrist is plain wrong. Schnabel is and was the acknowledged master of Beethoven sonatas and Schubert impromptus. I have talked to several professional pianists about Schnabel's interpretations and they all agree here.

[@antoniomartinazzo5847]

This goes straight to the heart.

[@phynesse2000]

Incredible. The whole thing.
Thanks for the sheet music, lets you see how masterfully Schnabel combines playing strictly by the score with natural musical expression. And unbelievable technique.
Thanks for sharing.

[@vova47]

Thank you for sharing this treasure!

[@arturozeballos1]

esta buena la versión pero lejos para mi gusto de las de Arrau o Schiff. sorry

[@VesChrist]

I heard tens of Appassionatta performances here, but this is definitely the worst so far - sudden rushes that doesn't make much sense, pedal all the time .... lots and lots of issues, the 3rd movement - ridiculously fast for ma non troppo the main phrase is derived from its sense and beauty - and how do you play the presto then? You can't hear of the presto at the end ...

[@francescaemc2]

+VesChrist uh, it is Appassionate... for starters and this one is as good as your spelling is bad

[@sabbysingh5744]

3rd mov is allegro ma non troppo-presto

[@timr2007]

I agree. Third movement too fast,

[@kaiandchanellesimmons502]

VesChrist I agree

[@kaiandchanellesimmons502]

There is a lack of explosion from piano to forte that Beethoven is known for. There are lots of sforzandi in this piece which are not being performed; However the tempo isn't the issue, it is the control of playing. This piece is called 'Appassionata' for a reason, it has expression and lots of it. The piece should be played with aggression and passion and his tempo is justifiable to this. I would like more of a tension in his movement by the use of dynamics and sforzandi.