Search - Beethoven, Fischer, Philharmonia :: Piano Concertos 3 & 4

Fischer's late life Beethoven 3rd & 4th

RaleighObserver | Eastern USA | 05/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm really glad to see this reissue of Edwin Fischer's lyrical renditions of Beethoven's 3rd and 4th piano concerti, recorded I believe in the early 1950's with the pianist conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra. Fischer gives added meaning to the word "sensitivity" in these performances. The phrasing is elegant and every detail is put in service to a clear, emotional and spiritual rendition of the score. Yes, as with every Fischer recording there are dropped notes and fumbled scale and arpeggio work. This recording is not for those who demand that their performers be mechanically perfect; it is for those who want their artists to be interpretavely involved, original and thoughtful. Just listen to one detail, for example: how Fischer uses slight exaggerations of dynamics to emphasize the piano's cross-rhythms to the orchestra in the coda of the first movement of the 3rd concerto, and the hesitant quality it brings to that phrase; then, how he leads himself out of it and frees the music. Beethoven may not have written those dynamic shadings, but they work and convey the content of the music beautifully. Or listen to the second movement of the 4th concerto, and consider if you have ever heard anyone employ so many shadings of pianissimo or play the music with such tenderness. The music weeps and it is strong at the same time. Just beautiful.



The cadenzas here are Fischer's own. They are of the romantic era, dramatic and a bit florid. They're definitely an acquired taste.



I first encountered these renditions on a Pathe LP I got in Paris many years ago. The sound was good on that LP and it's even better on this Testament reissue.



My gratitude to Testament for making this music available. Anyone interested in versions of these pieces that will challenge your assumptions and make you think, that will open your heart and give a nearly religious experience of this music, should get this disc. Very highly recommended."