Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata'

“The idea of recording for CD piano-recital programmes designed for the concert hall is a good one, provided that the programmes make musical sense and that the spontaneity of live performance can be preserved. On both counts, Haefliger succeeds. Sunday Times

“Jaefliger's innate affinity for Beethoven's largely lyrical Op 28 Sonata manifests itself via the pianist's relaxed tempi and ample tone. ” Gramophone Magazine, June 2008

The two Beethoven piano sonatas precede his Decca recordings of the same works. Jeremy Siepmann in his notes says, “One of the things that most impresses here is the sheer wholeness of the playing. Outstanding examples include all of Op. 101. Nor by any means is the Appassionata to be sniffed at, though unlike some, Gulda makes a clear distinction between passion and hysterics.”

“Gulda's subjective and impulsive way with Op 101's first movement brings his often underappreciated lyrical gifts to the fore.” Gramophone Magazine, June 2008

‘Every bit as intellectually lucid, technically secure and focussed, as her Bach … this exhilarating clarity of thought is matched by her clean incisive sound (well caught by the recording), and helps to contribute to the striking sense of purpose in these relatively early and still essentially classical works’ (BBC Music Magazine)