Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 29 "Hammerklavier," 30 & 32, Opp. 106, 109, 111

Mieczyslaw Horszowski, who lived to be 100, was a great artist who made many superb recordings, some of the best when he was in his 90s. But he never had the technique to play the Hammerklavier Sonata (No. 29), and his frequent struggles with the music prevent him from being able to give a convincing performance. The other two sonatas are also difficult, giving the pianist some shaky moments, but he still manages to achieve meaningful interpretations. At the very low price, the set may be worth having, though these are not Horszowski's greatest recordings and the 1951 sound quality is only fair. --Leslie Gerber