Embark on a musical odyssey with Ludwig van Beethoven's complete piano concertos, meticulously captured in "The Beethoven Journey: The Complete Piano Concertos." This extraordinary collection, released by Sony Classical in 2012, features the renowned Norwegian pianist and conductor Leif Ove Andsnes, accompanied by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Spanning a total of three hours and eight minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Beethoven's piano concertos, including his iconic Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the "Emperor."
The album encompasses all five of Beethoven's piano concertos, each a masterpiece in its own right, along with the Fantasia in C Minor, Op. 80, also known as the Choral Fantasy. From the exuberant energy of the Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15, to the profound depth of the Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, and the majestic grandeur of the "Emperor" Concerto, this collection showcases the evolution of Beethoven's compositional genius.
Leif Ove Andsnes' interpretations are both technically brilliant and deeply expressive, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless works. The Mahler Chamber Orchestra provides a rich and nuanced backdrop, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's works, this album offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of his piano concertos.
(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