This album, featuring the complete piano concertos of Ludwig van Beethoven, is dedicated to the memory of Annie Fischer, a pianist whose Beethoven sonata recordings influenced soloist Dénes Várjon.
Composer Biography
Beethoven's declining health, particularly his deafness, eventually prevented him from performing his own compositions in public, forcing him to rely on his students.
Composer Biography
Beethoven, born in Bonn, Germany, arrived in Vienna in late 1792, a year after Mozart's death, with ambitions to take Mozart's place as both a composer and performer.
Composition History
Beethoven often left the final touches and scoring of his concertos until the last minute, as evidenced by anecdotes from his friends.
Interpretation
Soloist Dénes Várjon believes that if a musical interpretation does not involve any risks, it will not make a lasting impression on the audience.
Composition History
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 was completed earlier than No. 1, but appeared in print later, causing the numbering to be reversed.
Composition History
For his Piano Concerto No. 5, Beethoven meticulously recorded every detail, including the highly virtuoso cadenza, knowing he would not perform the piano part himself due to his deafness.
