than these artists' overdriven studio version a few years earlier. More than a few pianists injured themselves attempting to play octaves as Vladimir Horowitz does here. The pianist's relationship with Beethoven was an on/off affair, but Horowitz' uncluttered, direct Emperor is one of the finest versions of this warhorse on disc. The lyrical, rapt slow movement brings out the frustrated opera singer in Horowitz, while Fritz Reiner supports his soloist with a sturdy, alert orchestral framework. A most attractive release. --Jed Distler
than these artists' overdriven studio version a few years earlier. More than a few pianists injured themselves attempting to play octaves as Vladimir Horowitz does here. The pianist's relationship with Beethoven was an on/off affair, but Horowitz' uncluttered, directEmperoris one of the finest versions of this warhorse on disc. The lyrical, rapt slow movement brings out the frustrated opera singer in Horowitz, while Fritz Reiner supports his soloist with a sturdy, alert orchestral framework. A most attractive release.--Jed Distler
..., and is slightly better to listen to than the first two movements of the concerto, however it still isn't wonderful.
The third concerto is the Tuba Concerto in F Minor (1954) by Ralp Vaughan Williams.
7 - Prelude
8 - Romanza
9 - Finale: Rondo alla tedesca
This concerto is more classical in nature with a structure similar to something Bach would've used as opposed to something more modern by Beethoven for example. Although minor, the concerto still has a good melodic line and a great accompaniment that would be expected from an 82 year old composer with much experience in composition and is a work with originality and freshness. The first movement is a great start to the concerto, with a nice melodic line and a lovely cadenza towards the end of the movement and has an amazing final few bars which bring the movement to a close. The second...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles
...depiction of a trio of birds, a village band and a thunderstorm.
The Seventh brought a completely new emphasis on the use of rhythm, something that had never been heard of before at this scale, while the Eighth proved that little is sometimes more with its witty and humor-filled attitude completely off-setting the greater Seventh. And finally there came the Ninth Symphony that not only out-scaled the Eroica, but also introduced human voices in a symphony. The addition of a chorus and soloists in a profoundly instrumental work would be much explored by the Romantics that followed. In essence and deed, Beethoven was one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) influences in the way music evolved through the Classical era to the Romantic. And, of course, his influence also effected many other genres like piano sonatas, chamber music, concertos, etc...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: dynamic and gripping Disadvantages: none
...Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth.
The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be.
Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike....
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
somewhat helpful 09.08.2006
Compare Beethoven: Emperor Concerto to other similar Classical
29.10.2006
16.04.2005
09.08.2006
