Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73, "Emperor": I. Allegro

[hallowbe]

Subtleties in the score become more apparent in such an interpretation than in normal sized orchestras.

[mostlyclassics]

A remarkable performance (as much as YouTube's 10 minutes limit allows). I can't tell for sure on my cruddy computer speakers, but is it really one-string-to-part in the concertino passages? For the first time for me on YouTube, I went and ordered the full set of Beethoven piano concertos. Congratulations on a superb job!

[CMMonline]

@mostlyclassics

Looking at the linear notes now: 2 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, 1 double bass, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, and, of course, a fortepiano (a Viennese Fritz). Basically, they're using only what the score calls for.

Thanks for watching.

[mostlyclassics]

Thanks for the clarification. Obviously, since I just ordered the disks a couple of hours ago, I don't have the liner notes. The clarity of such reduced forces is downright astonishing. Less is more.

[Eushayson]

@mostlyclassics Heck yeah. I think the richness of the period instruments here are able to support less numbers; everything's so resonant and lush... The albums themselves are worth getting just for the stylish artwork and what-not. Definitely my favourite recording of this. Thanks for posting it, CMM.

[mostlyclassics]

@Eushayson I have the Melvyn Tan/Norrington and Steven Lubin/Hogwood sets, but the string bodies of the London Classical Players and the Academy of Ancient Music are of chamber orchestra size (about 7-7-5-4-2 for each band).

[tjwhite1963]

@mostlyclassics It sure does sound like only one string to part according to my ears and speakers.

[KHLuva1017]

Very nice! You truly feel like an emperor when you listen to this!