Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2014, under the Ginkgo Classical label. This collection showcases two of Beethoven's most celebrated piano concertos and his renowned "Moonlight" Sonata, offering a comprehensive journey through the composer's early and middle periods.
The album opens with Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15, a work that exudes classical elegance and charm. The first movement, "Allegro con brio," is followed by the serene "Largo" and the playful "Rondo. Allegro scherzando." The Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 19, follows, featuring the spirited "Allegro con brio," the tender "Adagio," and the lively "Rondo. Molto allegro."
The album concludes with Beethoven's iconic Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, famously known as the "Moonlight" Sonata. This masterpiece begins with the hauntingly beautiful "Adagio sostenuto," followed by the delicate "Allegretto" and the stormy "Presto agitato."
Recorded in January 2014 at the Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Berlin, Germany, this album captures the essence of Beethoven's compositions with meticulous attention to detail. The performances are brought to life by the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the world's most renowned orchestras, under the direction of renowned conductor Jonathan Del Mar. The album's production and engineering were handled by Ludger Böckenhoff, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 21 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical piano music, perfect for both casual listeners and dedicated fans of Beethoven's work. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Beethoven or new to his music, this album offers a profound and enriching experience.