Mikhail Pletnev - Beethoven - Piano Sonatas: Moonlight, Waldstein, Appassionata (1996)

Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev has an astoundingly clean and virtuosic technique. He has the ability to bring out inner voices that in some other recordings are completely lost. These skills are sometimes enough to make his interpretations of these three early and middle period Beethoven sonatas completely satisfying. The third movement of the "Moonlight" Sonata, for example, is absolutely electrifying in its virtuosity. The first movement of the"Waldstein" and the final movement of "Appassionata" are brisk, energetic, and always completely under control. Movements such as these, where the performer's technique truly comes to the forefront, are absolutely satisfying here.
When technique plays second to long, flowing lines and tender moments, Pletnev's performances occasionally fall short. The first movement of the "Moonlight" lacks the gradual, arching build-up and release that other pianists like Richard Goode and Wilhelm Kempff achieve more naturally. Likewise, the middle movements of "Waldstein" and "Appassionata" are somewhat angular and rigid. While Pletnev is clearly a masterful musician, his approach to the instrument seems better suited to other genres.