The performance history of Beethovens Piano Concertos is, it appears, bound up with a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, every great pianist must almost feel destined to perform these works at least once in his lifetime. But on the other hand, so many heroes of the schellac era have left future generations their excellent recordings that these are filled with awe and respect, their otherwise nimble fingers become lame - and often only a mediocre recording is the result.
The present recording, a milestone among the multitude of televised recordings made in the heyday of analogue recording technique, is highly impressive for its depth of musical focus, even without any visual support. Benedetti Michelangelis performance is a far cry from sugar-sweet pedaling and showy virtuosity, rather he displays a highly individual understanding of the intricately constructed musical material. Each phrase blossoms out to become a unique event in time composed. The soloist and the excellent orchestra here give a performance which sums up all Beethovens famous compositions and in which the pianists amazing sensitivity penetrates even the smallest detail.
Musicians:
Wiener Symphoniker
Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Carlos Maria Giulini, conductor
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, piano<
Selections:
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in C Major, Op.15
1. Allegro con brio
2. Largo
3. Rondo. Allegro scherzando
The present recording, a milestone among the multitude of televised recordings made in the heyday of analogue recording technique, is highly impressive for its depth of musical focus, even without any visual support. Benedetti Michelangelis performance is a far cry from sugar-sweet pedaling and showy virtuosity, rather he displays a highly individual understanding of the intricately constructed musical material. Each phrase blossoms out to become a unique event in time composed. The soloist and the excellent orchestra here give a performance which sums up all Beethovens famous compositions and in which the pianists amazing sensitivity penetrates even the smallest detail.
Musicians:
Wiener Symphoniker
Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Carlos Maria Giulini, conductor
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, piano<
Selections:
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in C Major, Op.15
1. Allegro con brio
2. Largo
3. Rondo. Allegro scherzando
