Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2

Naxos / 2019

Beethoven’s first two piano concertos share an abundance of lyric and virtuosic qualities. Concerto No. 1 in C major is expansive and richly orchestrated with a sublime slow movement that is tender and ardent, and a finale full of inventive humour. Concerto No. 2 in B flat major marries energy with elegance, reserving poetic breadth for its slow movement and quirky wit for the finale. Also included is the jovial Rondo, WoO 6, which Beethoven originally intended to be the finale of Concerto No. 2.

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15
I. Allegro con brio
II. Largo
III. Rondo. Allegro

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19
I. Allegro con brio
II. Adagio
III. Rondo. Molto allegro

Beethoven: Rondo, WoO 6

“Objectively, I find them “ideal”—i.e., as near to perfect in matters of execution and faithfulness to the written notes as is humanly possible. And subjectively, I find them “ideal” as well—i.e., I respond positively on a personal level to what Giltburg and Petrenko bring to their readings…This may just be Giltburg’s best recorded effort to date.” – Fanfare

“In most respects these are distinguished readings. Sonically speaking, the judicious balance between piano and orchestra conveys a palpable chamber-like aesthetic that brings important woodwind details to the fore…This can also be attributed to Vasily Petrenko’s penchant for lean, transparent textures, rhythmic spring and regimented ensemble values…Giltburg’s polished and cultivated pianism shines in the crystalline scales of the First Concerto’s Allegro.” – Gramophone

“There is much to admire about these performances of the first two concertos, particularly as the RLPO are in such fine, lean form under Petrenko. The central Largo of the First Concerto is laudably taken at a tempo that moves, and Giltburg is at his most eloquent (as is a fine clarinettist). The orchestra’s contribution to the finale is vital and alive, both pianist and orchestra paying great attention to detail, especially those rhythmically destabilising accents.” – International Piano