Beethoven - The 5 Piano Concertos

Composers Beethoven, Ludwig van
Performers Haochen Zhang
Conductors Stutzmann, Nathalie
Genres Concerto
Instruments Piano
Periods Classical
Label BIS
Orchestras / Ensembles Philadephia Orchestra
As one of the finest pianists of his era and an improviser of genius, Ludwig van Beethoven’s preferred vehicle for musical exploration was the piano. With his five piano concertos composed between 1788 and 1809, he not only achieved a brilliant conclusion to the Classical piano concerto, but also established a new model for the Romantic era: a sort of symphony with obbligato piano which was to remain a reference point well into the twentieth century.

After the first two concertos, which still closely follow the models of Haydn and Mozart, Concerto No. 3 marks a profound stylistic change. In the piano part, Beethoven pushes the instrument to its limits, leading commentators to remark that he was writing for the piano of the future. This trend continued and reached its fullness in the Fourth and Fifth Concertos, which today rank among the great composer’s most admired works.

In 2009, Haochen Zhang was the youngest pianist ever to receive the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Since then he has captivated audiences worldwide with a unique combination of deep musical sensitivity, fearless imagination and spectacular virtuosity. He now performs the five Beethoven concertos supported by the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra under its principal guest conductor, the charismatic Nathalie Stutzmann.
 
 
$ 17.55 USD
 

Extra material for download

Included albums

  • Beethoven - The 5 Piano Concertos
    Disc 1
    Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van
    Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op.15 37:12
    1 I. Allegro con brio 17:57
    2 II. Largo 10:47
    3 III. Rondo 08:28
    Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van
    Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op.19 28:33
    4 I. Allegro con brio 14:01
    5 II. Adagio 08:41
    6 III. Rondo 05:51
    Disc 2
    Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van
    Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op.37 34:49
    1 I. Allegro con brio 16:40
    2 II. Largo 09:16
    3 III. Rondo 08:53
    Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van
    Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op.58 34:03
    4 I. Allegro moderato 19:27
    5 II. Andante con moto 04:45
    6 III. Rondo 09:51
    Disc 3
    Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van
    Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major (Emperor), Op.73 37:52
    1 I. Allegro 19:52
    2 II. Adagio un poco mosso 07:54
    3 III. Rondo 10:06