Beethoven: Sonatas - Waldstein, Les Adieux, Appassionata
Emil Gilels unfailingly conveys a manly strength in his performances of Beethoven's music, with a feeling of power held in reserve. The technique is stunning, but what is truly extraordinary is the lively, leonine quality of the playing. Gilels's account of theWaldsteinhas the quintessential energy and gruffness one associates with the work, and his rendition ofLes Adieuxis among the most imaginative ever captured.--Ted Libbey