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

asin: B000OYC3FM binding: Audio CD list price: $16.98 USD amazon price: $16.98 USD

What a beautiful recording! Perhaps the most exciting thing about Lang Lang's playing is that when he plays softly and lyrically, he doesn't sound as if he's holding back; when he opts to stomp and yell, it sounds equally natural. The First Concerto is played with lightness and bounce in the outer movements and is as tuneful as imaginable in the stunning second movement's Largo. The Fourth Concerto is a whole other matter - mature Beethoven - and Lang rises easily to the occasion, playing with potency and handsome tone. The first movement makes us sit and admire his skill, and he is poetic and sensitive in the second movement. It would have been easy for him to run away with the final movement in a blaze of virtuosity, but he sticks to its classical outlines. These are superb performances, and the sonics are gloriously rich. --Robert Levine

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

author: Beethoven asin: B000LRYPT4 binding: Digital list price: $2.75 USD amazon price: $2.75 USD

Downloadable sheet music file

asin: 1569221324 binding: Paperback list price: $9.95 USD amazon price: $9.95 USD

26 easier Beethoven pieces, including: Allegro Con Brio, 1st movement * Andante (from Symphony No. 7) * Eroica (Theme from Symphony No. 3 in E Flat) * Fur Elise * Minuet in G * Moonlight Sonata * Ode to Joy * The Pastoral Theme * Symphony No. 5 Theme * Symphony No. 7 Theme * and many more.

asin: B0001RVQM8 binding: Audio CD list price: $6.98 USD amazon price: $5.97 USD

Biss, who has been getting much attention in the American music world, makes his recording debut at the age of 23 with a challenging program. He wisely places the Beethoven Fantasy first. To many listeners, this unfamiliar piece, written in the style of an improvisation, will be an arresting introduction to the program. To those familiar with the music, Biss's compelling intensity will demonstrate his credentials: here is a pianist with something to say. Competition in the other two works is stronger, and you can't say Biss blows it away. But his Schumann is strongly and expressively played, with almost the ultimate amount of contrast you want in this wild music. The Beethoven Sonata, performed here with all the necessary repeats, has been recorded by dozens of famous pianists. Biss is already somewhere in the top echelon, bringing drama and excitement to the music. Someday he may play the finale even more powerfully, but he already causes plenty of tingles. At EMI's "Debut" series super-bargain price, this disc would be worth having even if all you want is the Beethoven Fantasy. --Leslie Gerber