What are we to say about them? All three of the sonatas on this CD have nicknames, which already indicates that they are among Beethoven's most popular works. Yet again, one is struck by how impressive and revolutionary an "evergreen" like Beethoven's Appassionata is, as if it were still modern music. Lugansky is certainly not the only pianist to flout the 'allegro assai' (very lively or fast) of
… the first movement. He begins it as a slow sultry fantasy, as if exploring the possibilities while improvising. Because of these free tempo changes, the contrasts come out very nicely, sharpening both the drama and the architecture. (HJ)more
