Customer Reviews

Daniel Barenboim/Staatskapelle Berlin: Beethoven - Piano Concertos 1-5 [Blu-ray]

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If Daniel Barenboim is not the world's greatest living classical musician he is certainly the most versatile. In a career spanning more than 50 years, his name is attached to many of the celebrated recordings of opera, symphony, small ensemble and piano solo. With the later half of his career marked by distinction at the podium, one may forget that he is still an accomplished concert pianist. Here we are treated to both talents as Barenboim conducts the Staatskapelle Berlin and plays all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. From the accompanying booklet we find that Barenboim first recorded these works in 1967 at the age of 24 under Otto Klemperer. Now he is revisiting them 40 years later on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

The challenges of serving as conductor and soloist are undoubtedly considerable, but Barenboim, performing entirely from memory and without a score, makes it look easy and natural. Even while fully engaged in his role as soloist, Barenboim never loses command of the orchestra. Sometimes his direction is in the momentary freedom of a sweeping gesture of his left hand. At other times it's the subtlety of his nod or the quickness of his eye. The Staatskapelle is perfectly attuned to these nuances and their playing is always on cue and never hesitant.

Among the many highlights: the wonderful exchange between piano and clarinet in the Largo of the first concerto, a thrilling account of the Rondo Vivace in the final movement of the fourth and all the beauty and majesty of the Emperor.

The performance was recorded before a live audience during a three-day piano festival in Bochum, Germany in 2007. The concerts took place in the Jahrhunderthalle, which features an architectural design from a converted steel mill. The minimalist interior with high ceiling and exposed steel beams forgoes the traditional elegance that adorns many concert halls (and the stuffy pretence that goes with it). Aesthetically, the Jahrhunderthalle stands as a venue that emphasizes comfort and clean sight lines above all. The sold-out audience is appreciative and respectful of the music. They are often in view, but rarely heard (even between movements) until their applause at the end of each work. They are smartly (if not formally) attired people who know good classical music when they hear it.

Some of the performances took place during daylight hours allowing the large rear windows to cast a gorgeous natural light on the audience as well as the performers who are further illuminated by soft stage lighting that highlights the musicians and their instruments where needed and without any harsh shadows.

The 1080i Blu-ray image is near flawless. Skin tones are natural and appealing. The color of the instruments and the audience attire is accurate with no bleeding. The ivory keyboard is properly exposed and balanced with plenty of resolution to see the distinction between keys. The black levels are strong without losing any detail in the jacket creases of the musicians. Close-ups reveal the polished brass of the French horns as well as the fine grain in the basses and violins. Barenboim is appropriately the center of attention and we can see the delicate wisps of his hair and the beads of perspiration that begin to glisten on his forehead by the third movement of each concerto.

The PCM 2.0 audio track is clean, but the piano sounds a little harsh above high C. By contrast the DTS HD-MA 5.1 track, by opening up the ambience of the rear channels and a broader soundstage, delivers a beautiful sound that is warm and spacious and devoid of any discordance in the upper register. The piano is properly centered while the sonic integrity of each orchestral instrument is presented with distinction according to its location on stage.

The full program runs at approximately 3:20. There are no supplements save for a handful of trailers of other Medici Arts releases. An interview with Barenboim, some rehearsal footage and a short history of the venue would have been nice, but unfortunately were opportunities missed. In the end that's the only thing missing as this is, in every other way, a most welcome release and another grand achievement for one of classical music's most distinguished artists.

In PCM stereo, the orchestra sounds close and dry, rather like the Cleveland Orchestra in the classic Leon Fleisher audio-only set. Everything, including the piano, sounds much richer in the DTS surround version. The aspect ratio is 16:9, and the visual component offers great clarity and depth of color, even in shots where the color is limited mainly to that of the string instruments and music stands. I can't say that the utilitarian hall is much to look at in the background, except when the shadows along the walls begin to lengthen; the cycle was shot over the course of three days, around sunset each day, and you can see the natural light change over the course of each concerto. That's an unexpected extra in an attractive release.

I was so interested in listening to Barenboim play the Beethoven Concertos that I bought a blu ray player to experience these performances; the purchase was well worth it. Set in a restored steel mill in Bocum near Dortmund, Germany, his five part, three day performance was part of the 2007 Klavier Fest Ruhr, a summer long piano feast in Germany.

Barenboim, the finest contemporary performer of the Concertos, shows a warmth and palpable intimacy with the composer and the Berlin Staaatskapelle. He is his animated self, but more restrained than in his Triple Concerto and Choral Fantasy recording with Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma in DVD. The audio coming from the blu ray is first rate. The picture is radiant and above criticism. Camera positioning is extraordinary, superbly scripted, planned out note by note. There are at least four close-up angles for his piano playing something not possible to even a holder of a front row seat at a live performance. Face on, frontal shots show the piano's hammers and dampers, rarely seen during a live performance. His cadenzas, especially in the Adagio of the Second Concerto, send chills to the listener as if Barenboim is alone at his piano, his fingers dancing along the ivories. One feels the intimacy of the moment.

A live performance offers so much more than listening to a CD. The blu ray experience equals that. That more superb classical music is being released on blu ray, combining razor sharp visuals and the high quality aural experience affords the classical music listener the finest musical experience other than the live performance. I enjoyed the lengthy crowd applause in the end; it shows the gemütlichkeit of the German concerto attendee; restrained and seated throughout the first four concertos but exultant and standing after Fifth. To see the Teutonic ice break is so thrilling. An "almost" live performance to be enjoyed over and over.

I bought this disc based on other people's review. I play it with my stereo system (5.1 Infinity large speakers + Onkyo TX-SR603X), I feel I am sitting in the concert hall with the orchestra in front me. This is the best disc I have, and hope there are more such good recordings on the market. I highly recommended it.

This is a fantastic show. Almost all shows of classical music, were made to the people who understand music. But this show is so simple, that anyone can understand.

If I have criticism it has to be that the cameras don't do enough panning of the orchestra. They seem to be fixed on spots. Otherwise, it is amazing sound and crystal clear video. This is how I enjoy classical music and look forward to more on Blue ray.

This is a wonderful production with perfect picture and amazing sound. Barenboim performs exceptionally well as a conductor but especially as piano player. We have forgotten over the years how good a pianist he is. He interprets Beethoven conservatively and plays with perfect temperament and precision. Great harmony with the orchestra. This is music at its best and a must have. Phenomenal Blue Ray and I wish there were more available of this quality.

These five Piano concerto's of Beethoven,with Barenboim conducting the Staatskapelle Berlin orch and playing the piano at the same time,takes place in Bochum Germany 2007.A part of the Ruhr Piano festival according to the notes. Recorded live in an ex steel factory, turned into a concert hall, which makes a change from the usual venues. The girders are exposed which makes a different backdrop. I am all for that.The sound is excellent. Barenboim directs the orchestra not only by his hands,but he uses his head by nodding it,or using his eyes. A very difficult achievement. The tempo's are quick. He plays with emotion and passion where required. He is not a flamboyant character like Bernstein. A set that should be a part of every Piano loving fan. This is a master at work. Recommended. If I could give it ten stars I would. Worldwide.(Amazon .com has a habit of changing worldwide bluray into A-1 now, which makes it difficult for Australians like me.) 1080 HD-200 minutes-One disc.At the price a real bargain.

Barenboim does an excellant job with the concertoes. I particularly liked the cadenza to the third concerto.

I had been looking for a good compilation of the five Concertos and am a fan of Barenboim. I took the chance on this one and was not disappointed. Firstly his interpretation of the Concertos is impeccable not to mention his prowess of not only soloing the pieces but conducting the orchestra as well. The quality of the audio and video with my 52" Sony LCD and BluRay with 5.1 surround sound puts you right in an orchestra section seat in Bochum.