Beethoven - Piano Concerto No.4 and Piano Sanata op.109+110 on CD

Description

Helene Grimaud's Beethoven collection proves, once again, that she may be the finest soloist of her generation. As poetic in many passages as she is brilliant in others, the pianist provides a live reading of the celebrated No. 4 that holds its own with any in the catalogue. Grimaud's mind is a palace--she moves through the score with the complete fluency of Beethoven's spirit, performing the material as if it were written yesterday. The opening five bars of the "Allegro Moderato" are not viewed as a mere prelude--Grimaud knows that the success of the entire concerto can hinge on the precise balance of the composer's rhythmic and melodic elements. Masur follows with a full-scale orchestral tutti, engaging our interest until the pianist returns with her crystal line. At no time does she substitute herself for the author--for Grimaud, Beethoven's text is natural and clear. In the concluding "Rondo", the soloist explodes across the staves with a totality suggesting the endless possibilities of the score. Both of the late sonatas are lovingly rendered, though the E Major Sonata (Op. 109) creates the strongest impression. Consider the sempre legato in the opening exposition, the concentrated sonata form of the fiery "Prestissimo" (Grimaud is particularly strong in the second group recapitulation), or the quiet spirituality conveyed in the theme-and-variations ("Andante molto Cantabile"). Throughout the programme, the pianist plays as if she fully understands what Beethoven meant when wrote that "it's impossible to leave the world until I've brought forth all that is in me ... Providence, grant me but one day of pure joy." In this recording, Grimaud grants the listener one full hour of the pure joy Beethoven was referring to. This is a masterpiece. This disc, Helene Grimaud's first with Teldec, also marks her first collaboration with Kurt Masur and the New York Philharmonic. Beethoven's Fourth Concerto is a fitting test for a young pianist whose sky rocketing career has earned worldwide media attention. Masur, a skilled orchestral accompanist with a personal affinity for Beethoven, elicits an expert performance from his forces.