Re: Help choose complete Beethoven piano sonatas

I have the Claude Frank set and enjoy it immensely:

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000063DK9/qid=1070485666/sr=1-11/ref=sr_1_0_11/702-8321117-5254449

MIFrost


[EMAIL PROTECTED] (mark n.) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> I know it has been discussed many times before.
> I have read many threads from the archives, but
> often people tend to dismiss everything else
> and go straight to their personal favourite set 
> and I never reach an understanding why this or 
> that set is not as good. Amazon is not too help-
> ful as most reviewers concentrate on showering
> praise.
> 
> Take into account that I have no experience of
> most of these piano sonatas. I have only heard 
> the name sonatas. I want to buy a complete set
> to have them all nicely in one place. After I
> have listened to them enough, only then will I
> go seek other performances of specific sonatas.
> 
> I have four options: Arrau (Philips), Barenboim 
> (EMI), Barenboim (DG), Kempff (DG). Any opinions 
> on these? What is good and bad in these sets?
> Any typical characteristics in their playing?
> I realize there are many others, but I will 
> have to choose one of these.
> 
> Thank you so much if you can take the time to 
> advise me a little bit.
> 
> Mark