Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos.8, 14 & 23 – Sunwook Kim

   in Piano International (May, 2017)
‘Is it justified to record three of Beethoven’s best known piano sonatas yet again?’ So starts the booklet note – and it is a good question. At time of writing, Presto Classical’s website lists 296, 344 and 358 recordings respectively of these evergreen works. New interpretations need to be exceptional to get noticed.

Sunwook Kim is undeniably technically gifted and his account of the Pathétique opens arrestingly – perhaps too much so. Where Lewis or the late, great Anthony Goldstone catch the power and drama of Beethoven’s ‘Grave’ marking Kim is just slow, lacking impulse. He picks up the pace for the Allegro but omits the Grave in the repeat. …