Search - Stephen Kovacevich: Live From La Roque d'Antheron - Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Op. 110 & 111 on DVD

Great composing by Beethoven

George A. Benedict | Billings, Montana USA | 10/08/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Two significant complaints about this DVD: (1) the pedal performance contains far too much blurring for my taste as well as the use of the pedal to sustain final notes: in fact the photography even shows hands off the keyboard with the sound still emanating. (2) The camera operator seems almost insanely fixated on close-up shots: the one I was most disgusted by was the shot of the right eye and right ear combo. Some of the keyboard shots were such close shots that they contained hardly any information."

Good Sound but...

R. Menezes | Palm Bay, FL United States | 10/27/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a musician, so I cannot comment on the quality of his technical playing, pedals.
My impression when listening when watching the dvd was that it was
very well recorded. Yes, the close up shots are distracting but there are
some good takes on the set. My reason for 3 stars has to do with the fact
that I don't understand why producers can't be convinced to give us more material
for this our money. Let's face it, the cost of the DVD is relativelly high compared
to other DVDs. But in here we get 50min of music! No making-of, no extras, nothing!
just 50 minutes....

True, it is beautifully played."

One of the Best American Pianists

BLee | HK | 05/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Regrettably, I can't agree more with the other review.

However, let me add that the recorded sound of this DVD is so excellent that one can't possibly miss any nuances of his playing. Stephen is for sure one of the greatest American pianists who is is still around. I have an impression that he was rather rash one stage when he was young. But right now, even though he might still take chances occasionally, it is much better poised or even poetic at times! His playing on the whole is more on the harmonic side though. Recommended."

Excessive pedaling!!!

Mete Ibanoglu | Ankara, Turkey | 08/17/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reason I bought this DVD is that I'm currently working on op.111 and wanted to watch Mr. Kovacevich interpret the work.
As an informative DVD this one does not qualify at all, extreme close-ups ruin the general flow of video. Sound is very good, listening rather than watching is great.
As to the interpretations, they are spontaneous and enjoyable. My greatest problem with his playing is that he uses the pedal so much that the harmonies are no more distinguishable. So many times, excessive pedaling blurs the melody as well.
Despite all my complaints I'd recommend it even if you're going to listen to it once. Mr. Kovacevich's take on these pieces are well worth a shot.

Cheers!"