Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy [Box set]

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), André Previn (Conductor), Zubin Mehta (Conductor), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), New York Philharmonic (Orchestra), Emanuel Ax (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Emanuel Ax
• Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic
• Conductor: André Previn, Zubin Mehta
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (December 9, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B0000CNTLV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,807 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent beethoven cycle, April 15, 2005

By 

Claudia Danette Carey "Classical addict" (Klamath Falls, SE OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy (Audio CD)

Emanuel Ax really understands the poetic heart of this music. He highlights the dark melancholy of beethoven's music without ever becoming sacharine or sentimental. However, those looking for a barn burnig version of these concertos would do well to look elseware: Ax's performance is understated, with a focus on nuance, precision, color and dynamic shading. He never resorts to vulgar clanging in the forte passages. While not lacking in passion, his performance simly lets the music speak for itself.
One minor quible: the Choral Fantasy sounds like it was recorded in a TB ward, and the overall sound of this piece is notably inferior to the rest of the cycle. This is understandable, because the Fantasy was recorded live and at a different venue than the other recordings.
For an excellent Choral Fantasy, check out Helene Grimaud's "Credo" on DG.
Buy this set for the concertos.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Surprise!, April 10, 2004

By 

JBP (West Chester, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy (Audio CD)

I bought this box set of Beethovens piano concertos on a whim about one month ago and what a nice surprise that turned out to be. The CD containing concertos 3 and 4 has been (by far) the most frequently played disc in our household ever since. Ax, with his sublime technique, really shines in these two and Previn is in perfect sync with him. I also have to commend the producers: The sound, balance etc. is excellent and puts a lot of more recent recordings to shame.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stunning Collection..., April 16, 2010

By 

M. Odurih (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy (Audio CD)

This marvelous collection of Ax playing Beethoven's piano concertos and fantasia is exactly the type of performance that propels Ax's reputation as probably the leading living piano virtuoso. His rapport with the orchestras is amazing...a stunning blend of dynamics and tempo. These are clear, compelling recordings. Quite a bargain!