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Good recordings of Beethoven's piano concertos.

52K views 110 replies 49 participants last post by  Neo Romanza 
#1 ·
I have Brendel's with Haitink and the London Philharmonic. I'm not impressed by Brendel's playing. It seems bland to me. Though I like how it is conducted and the playing by the orchestra. I don't want something that is pre-1970. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Declined, I apologize I can't recommend a wide array of recordings, but of the few I have heard, the Fleisher-Szell/Cleveland box set is PHENOMENAL. It has spoiled me, even Kempff's celebrated recordings of the 4th and 5th with Berlin pale in comparison (to my ears). There are plenty of others here on this forum that have praised it just as highly as I have.

It also comes with both of Brahms' piano concertos and Mozart's 25th.

 
#7 ·
I recommend Helene Grimaud's recording of the Emperor Concerto for the DG label.
Uchida does very well too.

Fleisher's version is a classic.
 
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#9 ·
There are so many tremendous recordings available. Of complete sets, Serkin, Kempff, Fleisher, Kovacevich, Perahia are all really good in their different ways. For something really different try Glenn Gould. Baremboim with Klemperer is never less than interesting. Brendel with Rattle is fine too. We really are spoiled for choice.
 
#14 ·
Here you go:

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#16 ·
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#17 ·
For reference, the Fleisher/Szell can be previewed at:

 
#25 ·
Huh? Brautigam is playing on a modern piano on those recordings. That said, they are quite good.
For my own part, I am a great fan of Harnoncourt, so my recommendation would be this one (modern piano).

For something weird, but very fascinating (you will probably hate it or love it), try this one; fortepiano and a very small ensemble.
 
#21 ·
In fact, I would suggest having multiple recordings of the pieces since they are so rich.
 
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#24 ·
Gould definitely was a genius improvising on Beethoven. I agree with you there.
 
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#27 ·
I've never bought a complete set, but I have two or three or four performances of each PC. I would strongly recommend Yevgeny Sudbin with Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra for PCs #4 and #5. Probably #3 as well but I don't have that disk.

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Really top-flight stuff with no cobwebs!
 
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