Walter Gieseking

Walter Gieseking – Walter Gieseking live in Rüdesheim (Live) (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:10:34 minutes | 1,09 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Archipel

It was with the repertoire of French masters that the German pianist Walter Gieseking became most famous. The impressionistic piano writing of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel required the most sensitive touch and attention to color and nuance, and Gieseking’s finger acuity, imaginative pedaling, and above all, preternaturally alert ear made him an ideal interpreter of this music. Nevertheless, his own repertoire ranged widely across eras and national boundaries. Largely self-taught as a pianist, Gieseking was born in Lyon, France, on November 5, 1895; with his family (his father was a distinguished doctor and entomologist), he traveled in France and Italy until he enrolled at the Hannover Conservatory, where he came under the tutelage of Karl Leimer, making his debut in 1915. Gieseking was drafted into the German army a year after his first public performance but escaped combat by performing in his regimental band.

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Walter Gieseking – Walter Gieseking Plays Mozart & Beethoven (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 05:14:24 minutes | 7,70 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Walter Gieseking Plays Mozart & Beethoven is a timeless musical treasure, showcasing the virtuosity and artistry of the legendary pianist Walter Gieseking. Released by Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Gieseking’s mastery of the classical repertoire, offering sublime interpretations of Mozart and Beethoven’s compositions. Gieseking’s delicate touch and nuanced phrasing breathe new life into these iconic works, transporting listeners to the heart of the classical era. With every note, this album exemplifies the enduring allure of Mozart and Beethoven’s music while honoring the extraordinary talent of Walter Gieseking. It is a must-listen for classical music aficionados and a delightful journey through two of history’s greatest composers.

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Walter Gieseking – Walter Gieseking Plays Mozart & Beethoven (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 05:14:24 minutes | 7,70 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover

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Walter Gieseking – Walter Gieseking Plays Ravel & Debussy (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 03:30:52 minutes | 3,82 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Walter Wilhelm Gieseking (5 November 1895 – 26 October 1956) was a French-born German pianist and composer. Gieseking was renowned for his subtle touch, pedaling, and dynamic control—particularly in the music of Debussy and Ravel; he made integral recordings of all their published works which were extant during his life. He also recorded most of Mozart’s solo piano works.

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Walter Gieseking – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 18, 19, 20, 30 & 31 (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:10:29 minutes | 1,52 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Here comes the last album of Warner’s Walter Gieseking retrospective with Beethoven’s late piano sonatas. Not all the content of the comprehensive boxset has been released, but the most iconic recordings are now available digitally in superb new remasterings. This project is one of our catalogue’s most worthy recent achievements in terms of streaming results.

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Walter Gieseking – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 13, 14 “Moonlight”, 15 & 17 “The Tempest” (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:12:36 minutes | 1,93 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Penultimate volume of Beethoven’s piano sonatas by Walter Gieseking, notably including a fiery Tempest making its digital debut.

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Walter Gieseking – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 9, 10, 11 & 12 (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:11:36 minutes | 2,29 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Walter Gieseking’s programme of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Nos. 9, 10, 11 & 12, released by Warner Classics, is a remarkable collection showcasing the virtuosic talent of the legendary pianist. The four sonatas, composed in the early 19th century, are widely considered to be some of Beethoven’s most groundbreaking works. Gieseking’s interpretation is a masterful blend of technical precision and emotional depth, bringing out the intricacies and nuances of each composition. From the soaring melodies of Sonata No. 9, to the haunting beauty of Sonata No. 10, to the dramatic tension of Sonata No. 11, and the intricate structure of Sonata No. 12, Gieseking’s performance is a true tour de force.

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Walter Gieseking – Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 7. Piano Sonatas, K. 533, 545 “Sonata facile”, 570, 576 & 547a (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:07:00 minutes | 1,25 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

The penultimate volume of Mozart’s works performed by Walter Gieseking for his bicentenary homage. This series includes the most famous sonatas of Mozart’s maturity such as the Turkish March and the Linz sonata.

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Walter Gieseking – Encores: Chopin, Scarlatti, Scriabin, Debussy… (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:06:35 minutes | 1,59 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

As part of our Gieseking retrospective, here is a bouquet of encores, short pieces particularly close to the heart of the pianist and mostly hits of his discography, from Debussy and Grieg to Mendelssohn and Mozart. Also includes various sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti making their digital debut.

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Walter Gieseking – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 4, 6, 7 & 8 “Pathétique” (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:13:51 minutes | 1,65 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Walter Gieseking’s timeless interpretation of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Nos. 4, 6, 7 & 8 “Pathétique” is a captivating journey through some of the composer’s most celebrated works. Gieseking’s virtuosity and sensitivity bring out the nuances and emotions of each piece, transporting the listener to the heart of Beethoven’s musical world.

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Walter Gieseking – Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 6. Piano Sonatas, K. 331 “Alla Turca”, 332, 333 “Linz” & 457 (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:04:28 minutes | 1,18 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Penultimate volume of Mozart’s works performed by Walter Gieseking for his bicentenary homage. This series includes the most famous sonatas of Mozart’s maturity such as the Turkish March and the Linz sonata.

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Walter Gieseking – Schubert: Impromptus, Klavierstücke & Moments musicaux (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:49:20 minutes | 1,97 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

This Walter Gieseking programme is a breathtaking collection of piano works by Franz Schubert, performed with masterful skill and delicate touch. Gieseking’s interpretation of these pieces is considered by many to be among the finest recordings of Schubert’s music, showcasing his deep understanding of the composer’s style and sensitivity to his musical intent.

The “Impromptus,” “Klavierstücke,” and “Moments musicaux” are known for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and technical challenges. Gieseking navigates these pieces with grace and fluidity, drawing out the melodic lines and weaving them together into a rich tapestry of sound.

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Walter Gieseking – Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 5. Piano Sonatas, K. 309, 310, 311 & 330 (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:05:39 minutes | 1,22 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Walter Gieseking wurde in Frankreich geboren und wuchs an der französischen und italienischen Riviera auf. Sein Vater, geboren in Lahde im Kreis Minden, hatte Medizin studiert, wurde später aber Entomologe (Schmetterlingskundler). Giesekings Mutter wurde am 27. März 1870 in Berlin geboren. 1911 übersiedelten seine Eltern nach Hannover. Dort erhielt er von 1912 bis 1917 seinen ersten geregelten Klavierunterricht am damaligen Städtischen Konservatorium bei Karl Leimer, dem er nach eigener Aussage seine gesamte Ausbildung als Pianist verdankt. Gieseking hat nie eine Schule besucht und auch keinen Privatunterricht erhalten. Am 31. März 1925 heiratete er in Hannover Annie Haake (1. Dezember 1889 – 2. Dezember 1955); aus der Ehe gingen die Töchter Jutta und Freya hervor. Ein Plan, in die Schweiz zu übersiedeln, scheiterte, da seine Frau abgeneigt war und die Reichsfluchtsteuer eingeführt wurde. Er erwarb ein Haus in Wiesbaden, Wilhelminenstraße 24, wo er fortan seinen festen Wohnsitz hatte.

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Walter Gieseking – Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 53:46 minutes | 1,16 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Here is one of the last recordings made by Walter Gieseking in late 1956, from the same day he performed his legendary “Lyric Pieces” by Grieg and only a few weeks before he passed away. This selection of Mendelssohn’s “Songs Without Words” also includes two earlier recordings of the famous “Spinning Song”, complete with a rediscovered alternative take which is here released for the first time.

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Walter Gieseking – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 5 (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:15:21 minutes | 1,40 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

Walter Gieseking wurde in Frankreich geboren und wuchs an der französischen und italienischen Riviera auf. Sein Vater, geboren in Lahde im Kreis Minden, hatte Medizin studiert, wurde später aber Entomologe (Schmetterlingskundler). Giesekings Mutter wurde am 27. März 1870 in Berlin geboren. 1911 übersiedelten seine Eltern nach Hannover. Dort erhielt er von 1912 bis 1917 seinen ersten geregelten Klavierunterricht am damaligen Städtischen Konservatorium bei Karl Leimer, dem er nach eigener Aussage seine gesamte Ausbildung als Pianist verdankt. Gieseking hat nie eine Schule besucht und auch keinen Privatunterricht erhalten. Am 31. März 1925 heiratete er in Hannover Annie Haake (1. Dezember 1889 – 2. Dezember 1955); aus der Ehe gingen die Töchter Jutta und Freya hervor. Ein Plan, in die Schweiz zu übersiedeln, scheiterte, da seine Frau abgeneigt war und die Reichsfluchtsteuer eingeführt wurde. Er erwarb ein Haus in Wiesbaden, Wilhelminenstraße 24, wo er fortan seinen festen Wohnsitz hatte.

Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg verschaffte Gieseking sich bald einen Namen als Konzertpianist in Europa, nach 1926 auch in Amerika, und konzertierte weltweit. Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs lebte Gieseking weiterhin in Deutschland und konzertierte in Europa, auch in von Deutschland besetzten Gebieten. Dies brachte ihm nach 1945 den Vorwurf der Nähe zum Naziregime und der Kollaboration ein und führte zum zeitweiligen Auftrittsverbot.

1947 erhielt er einen Ruf als Professor und Leiter einer Meisterklasse an das Staatliche Konservatorium Saarbrücken. Dieses Amt hatte Gieseking bis zu seinem Lebensende inne. Am 2. Dezember 1955 erlitt er auf dem Weg zu einer Konzertreise in Italien in Stuttgart einen schweren Autounfall, an dessen Folgen seine Frau ums Leben kam. Am 23. Oktober 1956 brach er in London während einer Studioaufnahme für seinen Beethovenzyklus zusammen und musste am gleichen Abend operiert werden; zwei Tage schwankte er zwischen Leben und Tod. Am 26. Oktober 1956 starb er noch nicht ganz 61-jährig.

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