Richter's Beethoven performances always have the incomparable urgency amd the transcendental quality no pianists nowadays are able to produce. It's not just the risk he takes in fast pasages, but the high level intensity of tonal delicacy in slow movements as well, that creates the unmistakable penetrating edge. This is a welcome issue for both fans and those who are not satisfied with well-manicured, superficial, spineless Beethoven performances of our time.

There's no booklet, just a 2-page artwork which has track list only. It says 'recorded live', but no date, no place of the recordigs. My guess is, they were recorded in Leningrad in 60s. Sound quality is pretty good stereo with ver little noise from the audience.

Sonata No. 3 in C, opus 2 no. 3
Leningrad, 6/1960

Sonata No. 7 in D, opus 10 no. 3
Leningrad, 6/1960

Sonata No. 19 in g, opus 49 no. 1
Leningrad, 17 Jan 1965