Beethoven - Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra (Emperor) - Clifford Curzon & Hans Knappertsbusch
Beethoven - Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, Opus 73 ("Emperor)
Piano – Clifford Curzon
Orchestra – The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor – Hans Knappertsbusch
1 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : Decca
Recorded by Gordon Parry in June 1957 at Sofiensaal, Vienna
Produced by Erik Smith
Originally released in 1957
Reissued in 2009
Tracks:
Side A:
- First Movement: Allegro
Side B :
- Second Movement: Adagio Un Poco Mosso
- Third Movement: Rondo (Allegro)
Reviews:
“The Curzon Emperor Concerto is not only one of the finest performances on record of the great Concerto, it's one of the greatest performances on record, period. Sir Clifford Curzon is one of a handful of English pianists that can be compared with the best of the continent and the USA. I'd add Dame Myra Hess and Solomon to the mix. The difference between Curzon and many others that he made magic not only on stage but in the studio. No more than on this famous record. Curzon's playing exudes refinement but allied to a wonderful technique, the mighty Emperor and its famous technical demands hold no fears for him. The opening has weight and gravitas but also demonstrates his fleet passagework. Both Curzon and his wonderful accompanists, the Vienna Philharmonic, launch into the Concerto with passion and total control. It's in the very difficult opening accompanying orchestral passages where conductor Hans Knappertsbusch shines. Not the most charismatic of conductors, yet his choice as accompanist was inspired. Only in the transition between the last two movements is their some inelegant playing. Ahem, 2nd horn. Just a slight intonation disagreement with the first. And even pp, heard clearly on this recording. The technique in the opening movement's passagework is crystal clear and Curzon's transition to the gorgeously rhapsodic slow movement is sublime. Such a delicate touch -- Beethoven's meanderings are putty in his hands. And the boisterous finale positively romps in a quick 6/8. It makes for a sensational ending to a sensational record. Gordon Parry's recorded document from the large Sofiensaal (home to many famous Decca/VPO LPs) is superb. Warm but detailed, but powerful and supremely delicate and refined when needed. (…) A must for any good vinyl collection.” Anthony Kersaw, Audiophilia, January 2018
Ratings :
Discogs : 4.89 / 5