For this recording, pianist Mitsuko Uchida brought one of her own grand pianos, which she rarely does, chosen for its multifaceted sound and wide range of emotional colors.
Performer Biography
Mitsuko Uchida, the pianist on this recording, was born in Japan but considers the music of the German-Austrian repertoire her artistic mother tongue, having moved to Vienna at age twelve.
Interpretation
Mitsuko Uchida views Beethoven's music as having a unique tension between tragedy and optimism, with the ability to see 'heaven from hell'.
Interpretation
Mitsuko Uchida believes that there is no single 'correct' interpretation of Beethoven's music, and that each performance can only formulate its 'own truth'.
Performer Biography
Sir Simon Rattle, the conductor, considers Beethoven's music the 'Mount Everest' of orchestral literature, requiring careful preparation and understanding of historical performance practices.
Recording & Production
This album features live recordings of all five Beethoven piano concertos, performed over a period of just three weeks in February 2010.
