As Bavouzet uses very little pedal, his characteristic sound is clean and dry, and when he gives us histrionics they are Beethoven’s own; there’s nothing vain or pretentiously ‘original’ in these interpretations

The music is lit with quick wit as Jean-Efflam Bavouzet gives this cycle its special flavour

Bavouzet, in his prime, has two rare gifts as a Beethoven interpreter. He makes you feel that each sonata is not only all of a piece but that its structure and not just its surface has an audible power. Second, he conveys that what is experienced is indissolubly linked to its execution...He radiates generosity and balance as well as a delight in being able to play the piano so well.

It is in the later, larger sonatas where Bavouzet’s interpretations impresses most…Chandos’ sound is warm and full…Strongly recommended.

The qualities that were so impressive in his polished performances of the early sonatas – warm tone, clean keyboard textures, smartly sprung rhythms and, above all, the pervading sense of freshness and enthusiasm – also emerge regularly in these works.