We're all entitled to our opinions, even if they don't agree with somebody else's.
It's understandable that Richter's performances can be misinterpreted as mechanical by the untrained ear. Maestro Richter rarely strayed from the written score. That was the way the man chose to interpret music, and he should be respected for it.
Yes, he did. But then since most of my friends who are professional pianists rank (reluctantly) Sofronitsky in the top ten of all time, that's hardly amazing. I assume that you're talking about the drinking episode where Sofronitsky praised Richter as a genius and Richter replied that Sofronitsky was a god. Of course the consumption of alcohol may have loosened their tongues. Sofronitsky was one of the all time greats, but I'll take Richter over him except when it comes to Scriabin.
As a matter of fact, your subjective opinion is: "a lot of Richter recordings are quite dull but accurate".
You didn't mentioned it's just your opinion but expressed it as a given fact. Shouldn't you be able to provide some support for your opinion? So, my simple question is: - can you list just 20 dull recordings made by Richter? It's not "a lot"...
Actually I can think of a time when Richter is "dull but accurate" If you listen to his playing of Jeux D'eau, I think Nathan Milstein (the violinist) called it frozen icicles.
On the other hand, that is the ONLY time I can think of the Richter has been every dull. Richter is my favorite pianist, particularly for his Prokofiev and other Ravel works.
A simple thought. Go to Wikipedia and read what Rubinstein, Horowitz, et al, had to say about Richter and then in a thousand words or less tell us why you are more qualified than they to evaluate him. To give you a head start, Horowitz stated - "Of the Russian pianists, I like only one, Richter". And your opinion is what - that Horowitz didn't have any idea what he was talking about? But do read the others :)
Many great pianists seem to like Richter. Horowitz, Rubinstein, Gould...
slavyuu 9 months ago
Omg! I forgot about this masterpiece. It's been 20 yrs since i played or even heard it.
itsmister2u 11 months ago
Richter was superb-nothing was ever superfluous in his interpretations but he transmitted power
Sonata nº18 is superb too- uplifting ,energetic and positive.Makes me happy always!
iconicshrubbery 1 year ago
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR RICHTER PLAYING THIS PIECE FOREVER. I knew he must have played it. And as expected, he plays it perfectly.
colourfulwithaU 1 year ago
I like how Richter interprets the slower part, pause and then, very light and happy
werq34ac 2 years ago
@werq34ac That's how beethoven wrote it :)
JohnEBPiano 9 months ago
@JohnEBPiano yes but richter puts so much meaning into the pause
werq34ac 9 months ago
Richter judges the tempo of this mvt perfectly, every phrase breaths with unforced naturalness.
meredith21846 2 years ago
We're all entitled to our opinions, even if they don't agree with somebody else's.
It's understandable that Richter's performances can be misinterpreted as mechanical by the untrained ear. Maestro Richter rarely strayed from the written score. That was the way the man chose to interpret music, and he should be respected for it.
TomBarristerX 2 years ago
This sonata makes me wish that I played the piano. How nice it would be to bring this to life with friends!
gerryrains 2 years ago
not many people can play the piano like this.............like.....including you....
mdoub 2 years ago
"Horowitz stated - 'Of the Russian pianists, I like only one, Richter'."
Hmm. He happened to have a lot of praise for Sofronitsky.
superstition222 2 years ago 4
Yes, he did. But then since most of my friends who are professional pianists rank (reluctantly) Sofronitsky in the top ten of all time, that's hardly amazing. I assume that you're talking about the drinking episode where Sofronitsky praised Richter as a genius and Richter replied that Sofronitsky was a god. Of course the consumption of alcohol may have loosened their tongues. Sofronitsky was one of the all time greats, but I'll take Richter over him except when it comes to Scriabin.
gerryrains 2 years ago
@superstition222 This is because Richter put sheer force and power into it, the way Beethoven had intended.
30inventionman 2 months ago
Richter is absolutely amazing when he is "on".. He exudes power. He plays dificult pieces with astounding ease.
PetervonBelvedere 2 years ago
I'm playing this Sonata and the second movement is very hard to play...Richter played soooooooo well!
laqin007 3 years ago
Clara has some competition
chad410 3 years ago
I know it's gauche to say this...
but it's their Beethoven that I prize highly from both Richter and Sofronitsky. (but I WON'T say I DON'T love almost everything else they've done).
GetMeThere1 3 years ago
i couldnt agree more infact alot of richter recordings are quite dull but accurate
somehow he comes alive when playing beethoven and haydn
scottbos68 3 years ago
scottbos68;
I'm trying to recall Richter's "dull recordings" and have difficulties with my memory... could you remind those, please? ;)
truecrypt 3 years ago
opinions are subjective not fact
scottbos68 3 years ago
As a matter of fact, your subjective opinion is: "a lot of Richter recordings are quite dull but accurate".
You didn't mentioned it's just your opinion but expressed it as a given fact. Shouldn't you be able to provide some support for your opinion? So, my simple question is: - can you list just 20 dull recordings made by Richter? It's not "a lot"...
truecrypt 3 years ago
Don't worry about "scottbos68" 's silly opinions on Richter-he(scottbos68 ) is the one who is dull !!!
superbemaison 2 years ago
Actually I can think of a time when Richter is "dull but accurate" If you listen to his playing of Jeux D'eau, I think Nathan Milstein (the violinist) called it frozen icicles.
On the other hand, that is the ONLY time I can think of the Richter has been every dull. Richter is my favorite pianist, particularly for his Prokofiev and other Ravel works.
werq34ac 2 years ago
@werq34ac I completely agree. EVERYTHING apart from Jeux D'Eau
Musicman180 1 year ago
@Musicman180 yeah, i listened to it, again, and the frozen icicles have a beauty of their own.
werq34ac 1 year ago
A simple thought. Go to Wikipedia and read what Rubinstein, Horowitz, et al, had to say about Richter and then in a thousand words or less tell us why you are more qualified than they to evaluate him. To give you a head start, Horowitz stated - "Of the Russian pianists, I like only one, Richter". And your opinion is what - that Horowitz didn't have any idea what he was talking about? But do read the others :)
gerryrains 2 years ago
I love this sonata (and might be playing it soon :) Thanks so much!
lilly763 3 years ago
Lovely music,wondrously played! Bravo! TY.
paulostroff99 3 years ago