Complete Erato & Hmv Recordings

Luminosity, clarity and depth of colour characterise the playing of the French pianist Éric Heidsieck. Born in Reims in 1936, he studied with the French masters Marcel Ciampi and Alfred Cortot and then, furthering his exploration of Beethoven, with Wilhelm Kempff. Heidsieck's career, encompassing more than 2000 concerts around the world, has brought him particular fame in Japan.

In this 27-CD box his distinguished interpretations of Beethoven's complete piano sonatas, recorded in the years around 1970, are complemented by a previously unreleased 1958 version of the 'Hammerklavier' Sonata. A substantial proportion of the box comprises CD premieres - performances of Beethoven, Handel, Hindemith, Couperin, Debussy, Roussel and Ravel. It also documents Heidsieck's duo partnerships with his pianist wife Tania and the great cellist Paul Tortelier.