Beethoven: Piano Concerto 5

 

In reaction to a rather understated set of Beethoven piano concertos from Leif Ove Andsnes, I thought I would take out one from French pianist Hélène Grimaud.

As opposed to Andsnes' pure, clean style, Grimaud is known for wayward interpretations and muscly approaches to Beethoven in particular. Her left hand is well known for its strength, often contrasting what is going on in the right hand. I like a strong viewpoint in Beethoven, so Grimaud is usually a salve for me as a listener.

She drives the first movement of Beethoven's Piano Concerto no. 5 in E-flat Major 'Emperor' hard, a choice some will not take to. I am not talking of tempo either, rather she strong-arms the music to the point of breaking at times.

Her take is opposite in the second movement, where she has to correct Vladimir Jurowski's too-fast starting tempo when her solo portion first appears. Again, Grimaud's third movement is unrelenting, not offering much of a respite among the many forte markings in the repeated Rondo section. I could imagine more shades of light and dark amongst the onslaught of toughness.

In the Fifth Piano Concerto, the piano is placed larger-than-life, offering little in the way of piano-to-orchestra interactions. The Staatskapelle Dresden is a lovely ensemble, although I don't know that Vladimir Jurowski brings anything particularly special to the table, other than being a fine accompanist to Grimaud, which in its way is a positive nonetheless.

Beethoven's Piano Concerto no. 28 in A Major is more up my alley. Here, Grimaud finds more moments of repose and poetry, while hitting Beethoven's tricky rhythms with unusual spring in her step. Also, her piano sounds less pounding as well, not having to compete with an orchestra for complete domination in the music. Of course, Grimaud handles the contrapuntal challenges Beethoven throws at her with aplomb.

DGG's sonics are fine if not exemplary, pretty typical for the label. What a great joy continuing to hear Hélène Grimaud in the music of Beethoven. Her style may be unrelenting in the concerto here, but at least she has an imagination when it comes to the world of music.

 

 

 

Works
Piano Concerto 5 in E-flat Major, op. 73 (38.18)
Piano Sonata 28 in A Major, op. 101 (20.58)

Soloist
Hélène Grimaud, piano

Performers
Staatskapelle Dresden
Vladimir Jurowski, conductor

Label: DGG
Year: 2007
Total Timing: 59.18

 

Many will enjoy Grimaud's burly style in Beethoven, but so too, I could imagine some finding her too unrelenting as well.

I do especially enjoy Grimaud's way with Beethoven's sonatas, often thinking outside the box without offending the status quo as an interpreter.

 

Find more Beethoven recordings HERE!