Album insights
In celebration of Rudolf Serkin's 120th birthday, Deutsche Grammophon has released Serkin's final Beethoven recordings for the first time. These recordings include the "Waldstein" and "Appassionata" piano sonatas from 1986 and 1989. Due to Serkin's advanced illness, he was unable to give final approval for the tapes. However, Serkin's daughter, Judith Serkin, has now agreed to the release of these recordings by the renowned Beethoven interpreter. She has also contributed a personal text for the booklet, offering an insightful, gentle, and deeply humane perspective on Beethoven in his later years. The booklet features a collection of photographs, along with a reproduction of the recording log and a letter to the recording manager.