The Six Piano Concertos

Featuring

Gottlieb Wallisch
Martin Haselböck
Orchester Wiener Akademie
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Instruments

The fortepianos used in this recording, dating from around 1809, offer a special color in their registers and elegant purity, with a slightly larger volume that hints at future piano developments.

Composer Biography

Beethoven's increasing deafness led to the end of his concert career by 1814, meaning a large portion of his piano compositions were written during his earlier period.

Compositional Technique

Beethoven's dynamic ideas, especially at the extremes, take on a different meaning on historical instruments compared to modern grand pianos, with a full fortissimo representing the maximum dramatic expression for the instrument and player.

Interpretation

The recording uses original instruments from the early 19th century, corresponding to Beethoven's later creative period, rather than copies of instruments from the time of the concert premieres.

Historical Context

During Beethoven's time, Vienna was one of Europe's two most important 'piano cities', known for its many first-rate pianists like Mozart and numerous skilled piano builders.

Instruments

Viennese pianos of Beethoven's era were lighter, more graceful, and had a brilliant, transparent sound rich in overtones, differing significantly from the heavier, darker-toned English instruments.

Recording & Production

This complete recording of Beethoven's piano concertos was made on original instruments at historical venues in Vienna, including the Eroica Hall in Palais Lobkowitz and the Festival Hall of the Akademie der Wissenschaften.