The great pianist Walter Gieseking could do almost anything, but many of his later recordings sound glib and uninvolved. Thus, it"s worthwhile for his admirers to put up with the dated (prewar) sound of these recordings for the sake of hearing Gieseking at his best, stimulated by his collaboration with the great conductor Hans Rosbaud. With these two musicians keeping each other on their toes, the performances on this recording are intense and involved at every moment. Appian"s fine transfers, almost noise-free, enable us to enjoy the music without distraction. These are certainly among Gieseking"s greatest recordings. --Leslie Gerber