Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 77 [Original recording remastered]

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Daniel Barenboim (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Artur Rubinstein (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Artur Rubinstein
• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Daniel Barenboim
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (August 8, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00004TG7H
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,835 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rubinstein's Late Beethoven, August 11, 2000

By 

Hank Drake (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 77 (Audio CD)

The "Late" here refers to Rubinstein, not Beethoven. The great pianist was nearly ninety when these concertos were recorded. When this cycle of Beethoven Concertos was originally released in 1976, the set was generally panned by critics. One factor may have been the sound on the original LPs: the piano was virtually in your lap, with the orchestra far in the background and very poorly mixed. The sound gave the impression of a bogged down "arthritic" performance. The audio has been greatly improved here. The balance is natural, the orchestral sonority is plush.

Rubinstein's performance here can best be described as "stately." He is certainly still capable of creating a fortissimo which rocks the piano on its wheels, but never makes a harsh sound. (There is a technical slip on Rubinstein's part during the last movement of the Second Concerto which should have been corrected.) Some purists may quibble with his use of rubato, approach to ornamentation, and use of Busoni's edition of Beethoven's cadenzes--but the performances are an autumnal joy from first note to last.

There are three complete cycles of Rubinstein in the Beethoven concertos. For those only able to aquire one, I would give top recommendation to the cycle with Leinsdorf, recorded in the mid-1960s. But these performances are worth a listen as well.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good!, June 21, 2008

By 

Maria S. G. Santos "Maria" (BRA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 77 (Audio CD)

Very good, even in advanced age, Rubinstein is always wonderful!

I do not know explain, but I think that just missed something to achieve the same perfection of the record of Pollini with Abbado.

Perhaps a little more of virtuosity, which is necessary in Beethoven.

The orchestra also is not as impressive as the recording conducted by Abbado.

But, still Great!!

I recommend!