Great Beethoven, Unique Sound and Interpretation
HB | Fort Mill, SC | 05/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are literally 100's of recordings of Beethoven Piano Concerti available. Most of them sound very much alike. They use moderns instruments. This CD uses a fortepiano and original instruments. The sound is simply spectacular. Every instrument, especially the soloist, sound clear and bright. You seem to have the best seat in the house. The performances are bracing and powerful. Mr. Newman is an exceptionally exciting musician. During the orchestral introductions, he chimes in whenever he feels like it, playing the most dominant melody. The effect is tremendous. The cadenzas are incredible. Music making like this is extremely rare. This is a recording that every Beethoven lover in the world should own, it is that important. Close your eyes and you may think a time machine has taken you back 200 years. I have written to Newport about possibly re-releasing this CD. I hope they do it. In the meantime, you can take advantage of the very low Amazon marketplace price."