Chopin: Sonata No.3 in B Minor, Op.58 (Kapell)

I tend to avoid old recordings, but sometimes you come across one so great (Moravec on the Nocturnes!) that it seems criminal not to share it. This 1951 recording of William Kapell is one of those: he throws himself into the sonata with a dangerous, possessive, white-hot architectonic sweep we don't get too much of nowadays, for a performance that is utterly assured and moving: the last two movements feature some of the most moving and exciting music (in that order) I’ve ever heard.

00:00 – Mvt 1, Allegro maestoso
08:42 – Mvt 2, Scherzo: molto vivace (you can nearly hear the 3/4 here, incredibly)
11:04 – Mvt 3, Largo (the dynamic changes achieved in the first two bars alone are breathtaking)
19:59 – Mvt 4, Finale: presto, ma non tanto (in the 60+ years since this recording came out, this has not been bettered – the speed, ferocity and precision are mindbending)

[Forgetit]

Chopin manages to grasp your full attention with the first opening notes and chords, he then breaks your heart and heals it, over and over again. I feel so exhausted after listening to this masterwork of art.

[luciancrosby]

The final run from 24:17 is stunning. You hear every note with incredible clarity. Kapell is amazing.

[fatreq]

Chopin's most "classical" work, and probably my favourite. The Largo is one of the most sublime pieces ever written, sitting right beside the slow movements of Beethoven's op. 111 and Schubert's D. 960. The sequence of modulations starting from 15:32 is unbelievable, and that penultimate chord (19:45) and its resolution are just devastating to me.
Kapel here is unparalleled, the intensity of his playing in the last two movements almost unbearable. Thank you for this lovely upload.

[yondertz]

I agree on d description that this is the best 4th movement recording. It’s almost 2 decades ago since i 1st heard this, and i never heard a better one.

[danielkristianson]

Kapell's astonishing technical command aside, his sense of form, line, architecture and the movement of energy through sound is simply miraculous. Lesser pianists play the notes; Kapell "compells" us to travel with him on an incredible journey. This performance leaves me both exhausted AND exhilarated ... bravo !

[JA]

I came across William Kapell for the first time when the Time magazine wrote a review of "Kapell Rediscovered" around 2008. The review seemed exaggerated until I heard the album. It's unfortunate his career ended so early. Thanks for sharing.

[arturodelmoni]

Extraordinary playing - what a great artist this man was!!

[aristotle]

After hearing Zimmerman and Gilels play this, Kapell's interpretation is one of a kind. What sound he produces!

[lunchmind]

THat last movement is a wild ride, that compromises nothing of this music.

[danlo]

Thank you so much for posting this. I'd nearly forgotten about Kapell and am so glad to have heard this recording again. What a 4th movement! What a talent he was.

[diabolik]

beautiful recording, incredible clarity and strength

[MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

4:41 somewhat redolent (texturally) of Schumann's Fantasia, 1st Mvt. Outstanding recording. Thanks for uploading.

[HowardLive]

Seventy years on, still the best ever.

[waltertheus]

The final movement was stunningly fast, but clear as a bell. I suppose he could have done more with dynamics, but I like to think that he was just letting it rip. Why would he do that? Because he could, of course.

[benharmonics]

11:05 introduction
11:29 A section: B major
12:52 transition
13:39 B section: E major

[PieInTheSky]

Get that cello sonata up Ashish, you know you want to! :)

[ChiragBharadwajYT]

Ashish, I recently had the pleasure of hearing Seong-Jin Cho play this piece at my university. I hope he records it soon -- I think it would make a fine addition to your collection and help bring more of his work to light for your many subscribers (from what I understand his Ballades were very popular on this channel).

He was really amazing to listen to in person, and he even gave us two encores to the original program (Clair de Lune and La Campanella). I really wish you had been there to hear it live -- I think you would have loved it. The piano they had on stage was a little tinny in the upper treble range, but he really did justice to the second and fourth movements. There was some real power and magic displayed that night. I do hope for all of our sakes that he makes a recording (which I will gladly purchase) after his tours.

Best,
Chirag Bharadwaj

[zegaoyi]

i think you should check out kate liu's and charles richard-hamelin's recordings of this sonata from the chopin international competition 2015. their playings are just very thrilling and exciting, especially towards the last minute of the 4th movement

[otaviolamounier]

Love your videos!
Are you familiar with the version by Nelson Freire ? I think the third movement in particular is the most beautiful that I've ever heard.

[giacomoguarnieri]

Ashish, do you know of the version of Tamas Vasary? Personally I find it the best ever so, in case you never listen to it, I strongly suggest you doing that. This said, thank you as always for the beautiful uploads, I'm a big fan of your work and a long time follower of your channel.