The Great Myra Hess (Part II: Beethoven)

Dame Myra Hess (1890-1965) plays Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata no. 31 opus 110, third movement: Adagio ma non troppo -- Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo.
Unfortunately the sound is quite wobbly from time to time.
From the BBC Archives, 1954.

[@JamesVaughan]

How I wish we had more from this great artist...but thank heaven for what we DO have! Absolutely precious!

[@user-sk4kd7ob2b]

Я плачу,комок в горле и нет слов… Спасибо! 17.02.2024.

[@melodiegren323]

Gorgeous playing and I appreciate the stillness of her body. All her energy goes into tone production instead of throwing herself all over the keys as so many do now days. So grateful for Dame Myra. Thank you for posting. It is lovely in spite of the wobbles.

[@paulprocopolis]

Despite the shifting pitch and flickering picture, this film footage is a real treasure - and MH's 'spiritual calm' approach seems to suit this sonata especially well (though she does have power where needed).

[@user-gu3iy1vl9u]

to me, this is more than just beautiful. the tragedy of the Ariosi is truly heartbreaking. Hess is simply one of the very greatest musicians I've ever heard. I can feel her playing is so free, daring and imaginative, yet it is completely in the inner world of the composer, respecting everything indicated in the score with absolute conviction - immensely difficult... she is one of those musicians who truly listen to EVERY single note, giving each single note its content and meaning. sublime...

[@pianopera]

Well said, I agree!

[@FreekZwanenberg]

Yes, agree! I just discovered Myra Hess actually, gladly lots of material on Spotify. It's like she plays with the accuracy and understanding of Michelangeli (my other hero) but a little bit more heart

[@millriv1792]

I will have to upload my own CD of this sonata which is in better sound. I completely agree with the above as MH has ALWAYS been my favorite pianist

[@ADGO]

Beautiful performance. Thanks

[@Menurella]

Very beautiful indeed. As always, it's a very moving experience to hear Myra Hess play.

[@snaaptaker]

It just occurred to me after all these years. There are many great pianists. For me, Myra Hess transcended greatness. With all due respects and love to Hofmann, Cortot, Curzon, Casadesus, Lipatti, Moiseiwitsch, Rachmaninoff, Godowsky, etc., but.....☺

[@lotoffortune]

She certainly belongs in the same category with those you mentioned.

[@millriv1792]

I know exactly what you mean!

[@georgandor4244]

Wow, no words, wow!

[@ermpp65]

Tresure! Thank you very much for sharing!

[@123must]

Beautiful ! Thanks

[@snaaptaker]

Ne plus ultra.

[@marcmitchel25]

One of the few exponents of whom one might say her art almost goes beyond the music's creator. Cilèa said that of Olivero, for those who know them.

[@user-lv3yf6my9x]

Lentisssssissssimo.

[@davidjohnson9796]

WHere is part !?

[@christopherczajasager9030]

POLLINI...Arrau..Others.....pygmies compared to this Beethoven profound playing