Beethoven: Piano Concerto 5

 

As has been the case with the previous piano concertos of Beethoven from Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, the 'Emperor' sounds understated whilst focusing on clarity in this final volume. I really hear the HIP influence in Piano Concerto no. 5 in E-flat Major, where the second movement could especially use some vibrato love from the strings. These are of course, personal reactions, thus if your allegiances lean towards lightweight orchestral sounds, this may be for you. For me, not so much.

On the other hand, energy springs eternal in Andsnes' reading of the Fantasy in C minor, a work with an unusual contribution of vocal soloists and chorus, akin to Beethoven's Symphony no. 9 in D minor. When the singers enter in the last minutes of the work, one forgets the piano altogether, a problem in this ungainly work for piano. Still, this might be the best from Andsnes for this particular listener.

The playing is extremely clean, where some octave scales almost sounded too dry at times, while the orchestral accompaniment is feathery light when the piano is at the forefront, where some orchestral weight would be appreciated. Tempos are moderate, never allowing the music to offend nor inspire, although Andsnes is best in the most lyrical moments from Beethoven. Of course, the piano technique from Andsnes is never in question, although a strong signature on Beethoven's music is beyond grasp here.

 

 

 

Work Series
Vol. 3 from Beethoven Piano Concertos on Sony



Works
Piano Concerto 5 in E-flat Major, op. 73 (37.45)
Fantasy in C minor 'Choral', op. 80 (18.36)

Soloist
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano

Performers
Prague Philharmonic Choir
Mahler Chamber Orchestra

Label: Sony
Year: 2014; 2019
Total Timing: 56.21

 

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