Paavali Jumppanen - Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Opp. 2, 101 & 106 'Hammerklavier' (2014) CD-Rip

The Hammerklavier is extraordinarily fine and displays Jumppanen’s approach in all its multifaceted glory. First there is joy – not a superficial sense of fun, but a glowing, glorious sense of joyous engagement with this great music. Allied to this is a sense of freshness – these interpretations to not belong in some kind of hallowed tradition… they just, kind of, are what they are. They exist entirely on their own merits – they have that extraordinary confidence to be themselves. Underlying this is a real sense of intellectual commitment – this wonderful music making comes across as entirely spontaneous but only does so because it is based on what is evidently deep consideration. The technique is fabulous. There are so many pianists with fabulous technique but very few (very few indeed) who use that technique to such life enhancing effect.
The recorded sound of the piano is sensational. Capturing a concert grand across its full dynamic range so that it can be reproduced convincingly in a domestic living room has eluded many very good recording engineers. Here the sound engineering is as near to perfection as I have ever heard. Whether it be in thunderous climaxes or the quietest interludes the sound is, well, of a Steinway concert grand, perfectly in tune in a glorious acoustic and played by a master.
As if that was not enough, the sleeve notes written by the pianist are from the top draw.
Very highly recommended indeed.