Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with this comprehensive collection of his most celebrated piano concertos and sonatas. Released on January 1, 2006, by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album spans a generous 3 hours and 38 minutes, offering a profound journey through the master's early, middle, and late periods.
The album features five of Beethoven's nine piano concertos, each a testament to his innovative spirit and mastery of form. From the exuberant energy of the Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15, to the regal grandeur of the Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, known as the "Emperor," these works showcase Beethoven's ability to blend classical structures with revolutionary ideas.
Complementing the concertos are some of Beethoven's most beloved piano sonatas. The hauntingly beautiful "Moonlight" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2), the deeply moving "Pathétique" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13), and the dramatic "Tempest" Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2) are included, each offering a unique glimpse into Beethoven's emotional depth and technical brilliance.
This collection is a treasure trove for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to Beethoven's work. The album's diverse repertoire highlights the composer's unparalleled ability to express a wide range of human emotions through his music. Whether you're drawn to the virtuosic display of the concertos or the introspective beauty of the sonatas, this album provides an enriching and rewarding listening experience.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15: 1. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15: 2. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15: 3. Rondo (Allegro scherzando)Ludwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19: 1. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19: 2. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19: 3. Rondo (Molto allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 -"Moonlight": 1. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 -"Moonlight": 2. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 -"Moonlight": 3. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: 1. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: 2. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: 3. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 -"Pathétique": 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 -"Pathétique": 2. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 -"Pathétique": 3. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 -"Tempest": 1. Largo - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 -"Tempest": 2. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 -"Tempest": 3. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, Op. 58: 1. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, Op. 58: 2. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, Op. 58: 3. Rondo (Vivace)Ludwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major Op. 73 -"Emperor": 1. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major Op. 73 -"Emperor": 2. Adagio un poco mossoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major Op. 73 -"Emperor": 3. Rondo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Steven Lubin, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood