Christoph Eschenbach, a renowned pianist and conductor who has triumphed over adversity to become one of the most respected figures in classical music, presents "Christoph Eschenbach: Essentials." This captivating album, released on February 14, 2020, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon (DG) label, is a testament to Eschenbach's extraordinary artistry and versatility. Spanning a diverse repertoire of classical piano masterpieces, the album offers a rich and immersive listening experience that showcases Eschenbach's profound musicality and technical brilliance.
Comprising 25 tracks and lasting 1 hour and 49 minutes, "Christoph Eschenbach: Essentials" features a carefully curated selection of works by some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history. From the lyrical elegance of Mendelssohn's "Lieder ohne Worte" to the virtuosic brilliance of Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 'Emperor'," the album is a journey through the depths and heights of the classical piano repertoire. Eschenbach's interpretations are marked by their sensitivity, depth, and technical precision, offering fresh insights into these timeless works.
The album opens with Mendelssohn's "Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 19: No. 1 Andante con moto in E Major 'Sweet Remembrance'," setting a tone of introspection and beauty. It continues with a diverse array of pieces, including Schubert's "Impromptus, Op. 90," Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 311," and Chopin's "24 Préludes, Op. 28." Eschenbach's renditions of these works are characterized by their expressive depth and technical mastery, making this album a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts.
Eschenbach's own journey to musical greatness is as inspiring as his performances. Overcoming significant challenges, he has established himself as one of the finest pianists and conductors of our time. His ability to convey the emotional depth and technical complexity of these works is evident in every note of "Christoph Eschenbach: Essentials."
Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of some of the most beloved and enduring works in the classical piano repertoire. Christoph Eschenbach's "Essentials" is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of the timeless beauty and power of classical music, as interpreted by one of its most distinguished practitioners.
Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 19: No. 1 Andante con moto in E Major "Sweet Remembrance", MWV U86Felix Mendelssohn, Christoph Eschenbach
4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 4 in A-Flat Minor: AllegrettoFranz Schubert, Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Quartet No. 2 in D Major, WoO 36: 3. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Christoph Eschenbach, Norbert Brainin, Peter Schidlof, Martin Lovett
Piano Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 311: 2. Andantino con espressioneWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Eschenbach
Sonata For 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448: 1. Allegro con spiritoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Eschenbach, Justus Frantz
Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 53: No. 4 Adagio in F Major "Sadness Of Soul", MWV U114Felix Mendelssohn, Christoph Eschenbach
24 Préludes, Op. 28: No. 13 in F-Sharp MajorFrédéric Chopin, Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331: No. 3 Allegretto (Alla Turca)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Eschenbach
4 Impromptus Op. 142, D. 935: No. 2 in A-Flat Major: AllegrettoFranz Schubert, Christoph Eschenbach
Concerto for 4 Harpsichords, Strings, and Continuo in A Minor, BWV 1065: 1. (Allegro)Johann Sebastian Bach, Christoph Eschenbach, Justus Frantz, Gerhard Oppitz, Helmut Schmidt, Hamburger Philharmoniker
Sonata For Piano Duet in C Major, K. 19d: 2. MenuettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Eschenbach, Justus Frantz
Album für die Jugend, Op. 68: Für Kleinere: 10. Fröhlicher Landmann, von der Arbeit zurückkehrendRobert Schumann, Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Major, WoO 36: 1. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Christoph Eschenbach, Norbert Brainin, Peter Schidlof, Martin Lovett
24 Préludes, Op. 28: 15. in D-Flat Major "Raindrop"Frédéric Chopin, Christoph Eschenbach
Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 38: No. 3 Presto in E Major "La harpe du poète", MWV U107Felix Mendelssohn, Christoph Eschenbach
Kinderszenen, Op. 15: VII. TräumereiRobert Schumann, Christoph Eschenbach
Dichterliebe, Op. 48: No. 7, Ich grolle nichtRobert Schumann, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Christoph Eschenbach
Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 38: No. 2 Allegro non troppo in C Minor "Lost Happiness", MWV U115Felix Mendelssohn, Christoph Eschenbach
Waldszenen, Op. 82: VII. Vogel als ProphetRobert Schumann, Christoph Eschenbach
Liederkreis, Op. 39: No. 5, MondnachtRobert Schumann, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Christoph Eschenbach
Liederkreis, Op. 39: No. 8, In der Fremde "Ich hör die Bachlein rauschen"Robert Schumann, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Christoph Eschenbach
Nacht und Träume, D. 827Franz Schubert, Renée Fleming, Christoph Eschenbach
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 2: 4. VivaceHans Werner Henze, Christoph Eschenbach, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Capriccio, Op. 85: Andante con moto (Mondscheinmusik)Richard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": 3. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Christoph Eschenbach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa