Columbia FCX 985 (1964): Samson François and the Beethoven "Name" Sonatas

Columbia (French) FCX 985

Ludwig van Beethoven: Trois Sonates Pour Piano

Sonate No. 8 en Ut mineur, Op. 13 "Pathétique"

Sonate No. 14 en Ut dièse mineur, Op. 27, No. 2 "Clair de Lune"

Sonate No. 23 en Fa mineur, Op. 57 "Appassionata"

Samson François, piano

Recorded February 19 and 26, March 8, and April 8, 12, and 29-30, 1963 at the Salle Wagram, Paris 

In 1963, French pianist Samson François recorded the three Beethoven "name" sonatas (Pathétique, Moonlight, Appassionata) for French Columbia, released in 1964 in stereo as SAXF 985 and in mono as FCX 985. By that time, François had already recorded several discs for Columbia, including his famous recording of the Ravel piano concertos with André Cluytens and the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra (SAX 2364, 1960), a Chopin recital disc (SAXF 861, 1960), the two Liszt piano concertos (SAXF 180, 1961), a Debussy recital disc (SAX 2469, 1962), the Chopin preludes (SAX 2521, 1963), Prokofiev piano concertos 3 and 5 (SAX 2533, 1963), and the Chopin waltzes (SAXF 966, 1964).

The original stereo version of this recording was only released in France and is rare and highly collectible, with median and maximum prices of $122 and $651 USD on the used market as of 2024. The mono version, which is the one I have, is much less expensive and perhaps provides an approximation of the sound of the stereo issue. For many of these very valuable stereo discs of solo instrumental or chamber music repertoire, I'll often spring for the mono first to see if I like the performance and also get the original cover art.

Performance-wise, I found François' rendition of these three well-known Beethoven sonatas to be idiomatic. In my opinion, the slower, more lyrical movements fare a little better than the faster, outer movements, in which François takes certain liberties of tempo, rubato, and articulation that don't quite appeal to my taste. There is no doubt that François is a virtuoso here, but as far as interpretations go, I prefer his Ravel, Debussy, and Prokofiev over his Beethoven. 

The piano is reproduced with warmth and decent clarity on my mono copy. I imagine the stereo version of this recording might add more three-dimensionality and atmosphere.

  

Here are some excerpts from my copy for you to sample:

Excerpt from Pathétique Sonata, first movement:

Excerpt from Pathétique Sonata, third movement:

I came across this fascinating video of François on Youtube, in which we get a glimpse of him performing the slow movement of the Appassionata: