Beethoven 'Appassionata' - Final Movement Coda (Most Volcanic?)

[theodopolis]

What are the most powerful renditions anyone has heard of this crucial section to the Appassionata Sonata?

Without doubt, the most powerful (and certainly the fastest) I have heard is Emil Gilels account.
Other particular codas that come to mind include Sviatoslav Richter's various live accounts and Rubinstein's studio recording.

Personally, when it comes to this coda, I think the faster the better (Perhaps just a happy coincidence that it is Gilels!) and the only one who can pull off the slow approach successfully is Claudio Arrau. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdACFlwKpvY)

Incidentally, Arrau does actually go a bit mental in a live recording I have, and I've attached it at the bottom. He really goes hell for leather into it, and nearly f***s it up, but actually pulls it off.

So does anyone know of other recordings that really take the Presto indication to heart?

Thanks

Theodopolis

[JP]

Gilels has live rec that rules all others.. not sure if that's the one you're referring to..

[theodopolis]

I've only heard his DG recording, and that takes the cake over all the others regardless...

If there's a live one then I'm dying to get my hands on it.

Theodopolis

[molto-marcato]

If you want to see a strange (and for me very disturbing) coda watch Fazil Say's Appassionata (at some japanese recital). While i think he did the rest quite ok he plays the Coda in super slow motion.  My favorite recording is Gilels but i personally don't think he exaggurates in terms of velocity.

[hodi]

richter plays with FIRE

[walking_encyclopedia]

richter plays with FIRE

hell yeah! i have the disc that includes the brahms second and the appassionata- wild stuff there

[webern78]

Ivan Moravec > All.