My current favorite SACD (two, actually)

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Beethoven: Complete Piano Works Vols 1 & 2, Brautigam (BIS).
I was a bit hesitant about buying these since they are performed on the fortepiano. Notes from the fortepiano can sound a bit truncated to my ears, compared to the more rounded notes produced by the modern piano. Happily, it turns out that my fears were completely unfounded regarding these works: beautiful performances in superb sonics. Brautigam and this particular fortepiano are a magnificent combination. To me, his performance attains a perfect balance of power and speed -- afforded by the fortepiano over a modern piano -- while at times producing a great deal of sustain from the instrument.
Now, if only BIS were producing this series faster.... Fabulous stuff. Highly recommended. Makes me think of a recent statement by John Atkinson of Stereophile: "Even as Sony appears to be backing away from SACD as a mainstream format, it has become the de facto standard for the highest-quality classical recordings." While SACD is the best option out there I certainly hope it stays that way.

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Topic - My current favorite SACD (two, actually) - Steve Siener 20:19:16 04/24/06 (3)

Agree 100% about Brautigam and the BIS Beethoven series. (nt) - C.B. 04:10:51 04/25/06 (0)

Re: My current favorite SACD (two, actually) - Thornhill 21:20:06 04/24/06 (1)

Yes to Robert Levin.... - C.B. 04:09:38 04/25/06 (0)

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