Beethoven - Complete works for piano and cello: Adrian & Alfred Brendel

Father and son duo Adrian and Alfred Brendel perform a joyous run of Beethoven's complete works for cello and piano.

Composer: Beethoven
Repertoire: Complete works for piano and cello
Artists: Adrian Brendel (cello), Alfred Brendel (piano)
Rating: 4/5
Label: Philips 475 3792

Well, not quite complete  – there’s no Op.64, Beethoven’s arrangement of his early Piano Trio. But all five sonatas and three sets of variations are here. Alfred is the dominant force throughout, a balance that reflects the role of the piano in these works, with self-effacing Adrian producing a mellifluous sound, if limited in colour and range. The musical empathy of father and son, though, is a joy to experience.