Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Karl Böhm, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Beethoven: Klavierkonzert No. 5 "Emperor"

Top-notch, Bohm underrated as a Beethoven interpreter

Joey Joe Joe Jr. Shabadoo | Boston, MA USA | 11/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While noted for his interpretations of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner and Strauss, Bohm is generally not the first conductor I think of when it comes to Beethoven. That said, he has always proven to be a gifted accompanist, and that holds here as well. He and Pollini seem to share a similar vision for this work, and thus both the soloist and orchestral forces work towards the same end goal. Bohm appears to be more energetic in general with this work than I have heard in some of his other Beethoven recordings; notably his symphony set with the VPO from the mid-70s, which is more in the classical vein. Pollini's technically brilliant and muscular interpretation of this extroverted work may have prompted a more robust approach from Bohm, and the results are certainly satisfying. This only can be seen as a credit to Bohm for adapting his conception of the work to match the talents of his gifted soloist. The results are nothing short of stunning, as Pollini effortlessly charts the many difficult passages found here with ease, generating considerable forward momentum and sufficient power when called for, with Bohm providing lockstep yet sensitive accompaniment. The VPO could play this work in their sleep, but they seem to be alert and alive - rather than on autopilot - under Bohm's baton. This recording is from the late 1970s, but wears its years well and sounds excellent still. Liner notes are informative and well-written in multiple languages. This is my favorite rendition of the famous Emperor, and I own a few (Giulini/Michelangeli, Schmidt-Isserstedt/Backhaus, Szell/Fleisher, Haitink/Brendel, Davis/Kovacevich, Ludwig/Gilels, Leitner/Kempff, Haitink/Peraiah). Is it the best? Well, it faces stiff competition from Gilels, Peraiah and Fleisher in particular. Nevertheless an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable performance. Highly recommended."

The best rendition I've heard

Guitar Player | 03/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of the Emperor Concerto is the best performance of this piece of music that I've heard. He performs with majestic abandon, and the effect is inspiring. No other performance of this concerto that I've heard comes close to this."

Majestic - Powerful

Guitar Player | 12/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The raw energy, emotion and power Pollini and the Vienna symphony brings to this recording is astounding. All involved must have been sweating profusely by the time the recording was finished. A sophisticated rendition it is not, but Beethoven pieces like this and the Appasionatta sonata are not meant to be polished and pretty. The sound is up front (and perhaps a little boxy here and there - my only complaint) and there are a few audible squeeks and bumps and human breathing which only serves to heighten the feeling of spontanaeity and immediacy (although this is not a live recording). A previous reviewer complained that the piano was too loud. It is loud. The piano is at least an equal with the orchestra from a dynamics perspective. You can hear every note crystal clear. I liked that. The tempos tend toward aggressive but always under control and smoothly flowing without the halting stops and starts in the main theme of the 3rd movement practically every other recording has (why is that?). Despite the raw power of Pollini's playing, I would have to say that it seems very clean and accurate. Many view the "accuracy" word as a negative, but here his virtuosity is undeniable. The give and take between orchestra and piano is seemless. Serkin's Telarc performance with Boston is refined and weak and distant in comparison. Mr. Pollini apparently rates this his best version of the 5th as he selected it for the 13 disc commemoration of his relationship with Deutsche Gramophone."