Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concertos 1–5 Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Mitsuko Uchida
Available versions
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.
Berliner Philharmoniker
Sir Simon Rattle conductor
Mitsuko Uchida piano
Ludwig van Beethoven
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in C major, op. 15
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B flat major, op. 19
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, op. 37
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G major, op. 58
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E flat major, op. 73
Recordings from February 2010 from the Philharmonie Berlin
Bonus video:
Interview: Mitsuko Uchida in conversation with Tobias Möller (12 mins)