Search - Christopher Hogwood, Steven Lubin, The Academy of Ancient Music :: Ludwig van Beethoven: The Five Piano Concertos - Steven Lubin / The Academy of Ancient Music / Christopher Hogwood

A brilliant work of art!

04/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One can only aspire to play Beethoven's great piano concertos with the delicate balance, emotion and musicality that Steven Lubin shows so wonderfully here. This recording is made even more a delight to listen to because Lubin plays the various concertos on the period instruments that they were intended for. As a classical pianist myself, I've listened to countless recordings of Beethoven's concertos, and this is BY FAR my favorite. Other artists may bluster through these concertos, but Lubin has a purity of sound and understated brilliance that can't be beat. Order this one up (there should be new midrange-release soon), and you won't be disappointed. Easily one of my favorite CD's of my entire classical collection (which runs to the 100's), period!"

Thought Provoking Beethoven

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 02/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"have had this set since it was first issued and have been delighted with it since. The performances are brilliantly recorded and played. Perhaps the most interesting part of these concertos is that Steven Lubin uses a different piano in each, an instrument that Beethoven would have know when he wrote these works. The use of different pianos brings us as close as possible to the sound the composer would have known. In this regard, we learn a lot about the development of the piano. I recall there was a reviewer who thought Hogwood took the Fifth concerto too fast but I think the performance speaks otherwise. As notes here, the only drawback is that the Fifth concerto sits alone on the third disc. It would have been better had the Choral Fantasy been included or some other work that would that would better fill out the disc. However, the lack of additional music would never change my mind about buying this set. Strongly recommended."

Transparent textures, good balance.

D. A Wend | 01/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is refreshing to hear these pieces played on the types of instruments that Beethoven heard. The transparent sound of the fortepiano adds great clarity, and the period winds add wonderful character. The piano is recorded at a good level--not overpowering, not drowned by the orchestra--making these pieces have the intimacy of chamber music. Highly recommended!"