The opening four notes of Beethoven’s groundbreaking work are perhaps the most famous in music history. It’s a work of grand dimensions and limitless colour.
Recommended recording:
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Carlos Kleiber
DG 471 6302
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/6eOuqhCfrTPp1H0YbQ9PmL
Symphony No. 9
Beethoven takes the listener from dark solemnity to the heights of exaltation. The finale setting of Schiller’s Ode to Joy builds to an explosive climax.
Recommended recording:
Tomowa-Sintow, Baltsa, Schreier, Van Dam, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Karajan DG 477 6325
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/745OTb1REdERaAzBPzYCXy
Deemed unplayable when it was first published, Beethoven’s most technically difficult sonata covers more emotional ground than any of the other 31.
Recommended recording:
Stephen Kovacevich (piano)
EMI Classics 965 9222
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/56foraJkruaFQAOxa7wEdF
Violin Concerto
A serene, peaceful concerto that embraces a soaring first-movement theme and a rather mischievous, playful finale.
Recommended recording:
Hilary Hahn (violin), Baltimore Symphony Orchestra/Zinman
Sony Classical SK 60584
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/1pgbvbkAY3n9m54nBeBZPn
Piano Concerto No. 4
The heart and soul of Beethoven’s astonishing five piano concertos with its expansive, stately first movement and an exuberant, joyful Rondo finale.
Recommended recording:
Till Fellner (piano), Montreal Symphony Orchestra/Kent Nagano
ECM 476 3315
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3BHZtVatf41aCVr8cPGQSU
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