There is hardly a better way to approach Ludwig van Beethoven than through his piano concertos. Beethoven’s own instrument was the piano, and in his improvisations – which made him the darling of the Viennese salons – he merged virtuosity and unbridled expression. The piano concertos give a clear idea of these performances. At the same time, they are prime examples of Beethoven’s ability to create large orchestral works with seemingly endless arcs of tension. The complete recording of all five works with Mitsuko Uchida and Sir Simon Rattle was one of the most spectacular projects of the Berliner Philharmoniker during the Rattle era – and at the same time the highlight of the collaboration between the orchestra and the pianist, which began in 1984.
December 7, 2018
Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings
3 people
Mitsuko Uchida
Piano
Acting
Simon Rattle
Conductor
Acting
Berlin Philharmonic
Orchestra
Sound
1992
2017
2001
1999
2017
1977
2026
2014
2010
2018
1998
2014
2018
1985
1970
1987
2022
2013
2013
2006
2012
2016
1991
2016
1954
1941
2025
2009
2024
2022
2015
2014
2019
2022
2023
2023
2014
2021
