Immerse yourself in the profound musical genius of Ludwig van Beethoven, as interpreted by the esteemed pianist Alfred Brendel, with the album "Brendel spielt Beethoven." This comprehensive collection, released on January 1, 2010, under the Decca label, is a testament to Brendel's masterful performances and Beethoven's timeless compositions. Spanning a remarkable 6 hours and 26 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical piano and chamber music, featuring both Beethoven's piano concertos and sonatas.
The album showcases Brendel's definitive recordings of Beethoven's piano concertos, including the iconic "Emperor" Concerto, alongside his complete piano sonatas. Each piece is performed with Brendel's signature insight and technical brilliance, offering a fresh perspective on these beloved works. The collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor James Levine adds depth and richness to the concertos, making this a standout collection for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts.
From the energetic and spirited opening of the Piano Concerto No. 1 to the introspective and moving Adagio of the "Pathétique" Sonata, Brendel's interpretations are both technically impeccable and emotionally resonant. His nuanced approach to Beethoven's music highlights the composer's innovative spirit and emotional depth, making this album a must-listen for anyone interested in classical music.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Beethoven's works or a newcomer to his music, "Brendel spielt Beethoven" offers a captivating journey through some of the most influential compositions in classical music history. This album is not just a collection of performances; it's a celebration of Beethoven's enduring legacy and Brendel's unparalleled artistry.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15: 1. Allegro con brio - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15: 2. Largo - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15: 3. Rondo (Allegro scherzando) - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19: 1. Allegro con brio - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19: 2. Adagio - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19: 3. Rondo (Molto allegro) - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: 1. Allegro con brio - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: 2. Largo - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: 3. Rondo (Allegro) - Live In Chicago / 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: I. Allegro moderato - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con moto - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: III. Rondo. Vivace - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": I. Allegro - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": II. Adagio un poco moto – - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": III. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1983Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine
Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80 "Choral Fantasy": I. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80 "Choral Fantasy": II. Finale: a. Allegro – Meno allegro – Allegro molto – b. Adagio ma non troppo – c. Marcia, assai vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80 "Choral Fantasy": II. Finale: d. Allegro – Allegretto ma non troppo quasi andante con moto – e. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, London Philharmonic Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Piano Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: III. Menuetto. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: IV. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: I. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: II. Largo appassionatoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2: IV. Rondo. GraziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: IV. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7 "Grand Sonata": I. Allegro molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7 "Grand Sonata": II. Largo, con gran espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7 "Grand Sonata": III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major, Op. 7 "Grand Sonata": IV. Rondo. Poco allegretto e graziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: I. Allegro molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: II. Adagio moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: III. Finale. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2: II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2: III. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: I. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: II. Largo e mestoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: III. Menuetto. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: IV. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegro comodoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel