Embark on a musical odyssey with Ludwig van Beethoven's "The Beethoven Journey: The Complete Piano Concertos," a meticulously crafted collection of his renowned piano concertos, released on Sony Classical. This three-hour, eight-minute journey through Beethoven's masterpieces is a collaborative effort between celebrated pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, recorded over a span of four years.
The album features five of Beethoven's most iconic piano concertos, each a testament to his genius and innovation. From the exuberant energy of the Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15 to the majestic grandeur of the Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73, known as the "Emperor," every piece is a showcase of Beethoven's unparalleled compositional skill. The album also includes the Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80, "Choral Fantasy," adding a unique and captivating dimension to the collection.
Each concerto is performed with precision and passion, bringing out the depth and complexity of Beethoven's music. The collaboration between Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra results in a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the timeless works of one of history's greatest composers.
(P) 2012 Sony Music Entertainment/(P) 2014 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15: II. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15: III. Rondo. Allegro scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: II. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: III. Rondo. Molto allegroLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: I. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: III. Rondo. VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": II. Adagio un poco mossoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80 "Choral Fantasy": I. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80 "Choral Fantasy": II. Finale. Allegro - Allegretto, ma non troppo, quasi andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra