The biggest issue with this Beethoven set is that it was recorded in mid 1950s mono. Mono recordings can be hit or miss, these are a hit! They are some of the better 1950s mono that I've heard. Gulda also recorded Beethoven in Stereo in the 1960s. Historically, he was an important and influential Beethoven interpreter during the middle of the last century. I'm more familiar with his stereo 1960s Beethoven sonatas. It is good to get some historical perspective when listening to classical piano. Wilhelm Kempff and Rudol Serkin (among others) have some outstanding recordings from the 1950s.Comparison to recent digital stereo: I listened to the first two sonatas performed by Gulda and then the same from Garrick Ohlsson's recently completed Beethoven cycle. Both are fine performances. The big difference is how much more open and airy the sound stage is with Ohlsson's set. The recording also has much more sparkle. It feels much more alive.1 个人发现此评论有用