Beethoven Piano Your resource for the piano music of Ludwig van Beethoven

asin: B000003XJY binding: Audio CD list price: $18.98 USD amazon price: $18.98

The great Russian pianist recorded these concertos again later in his career, with George Szell and the incomparable Cleveland Orchestra for EMI. Those recordings are also available on CD. However, the critical consensus seems to be that Emil Gilels was in better form here, even if Ludwig was no Szell and the Philharmonia can't match the Clevelanders in precision or collective virtuosity. Mind you, there's nothing at all wrong with the conducting or the playing--it's quite fine--but it's Gilels who carries the day. He was one of those artists with technique to burn, but who placed it firmly in the service of the most classically severe music he could find. The result is a particularly combustible blend of passion and intellect, particularly in evidence here. -- David Hurwitz

asin: B0000012YO binding: Audio CD list price: $68.98 USD amazon price: $68.98 USD

Nine CD Box Set, Including the Complete Recording of Beethoven's Sonatas.