CD REVIEW – BEETHOVEN
Piano Concertos Nos. 3 and 4
Boris Giltburg, Piano
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko
Naxos 8.574152 [69:59]

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To quote Leo Tolstoy: everything comes in time to those who know how to wait. All who have admired the two previous issues in this series*, which began in 2019 and was expected to be completed by the end of 2020, will rejoice at the eventual release of a third standout album, from a Boris we can admire, featuring Beethoven's two remaining piano concertos.

Piano Concerto No.3 was first performed in April 1803 with the composer, at 33-years-old already losing his hearing, as piano soloist. He was regarded as the most brilliant of his time. Evidently 19th-century audiences loved it the most of all his concertos, possibly for its romanticism. Giltburg's booklet notes are as readable as his playing is listenable. He writes of this concerto that as a young man he was "totally lost under the music’s spell".

Although today the sublime Emperor Concerto (No.5) is nearly everyone's favourite, I have always had a soft spot for Piano Concerto No.4, and the musician himself admits to it "having a special place" in his heart. Its premiere was at a private concert in March 1807, but the first public performance was not until December 1808. Beethoven was again the featured soloist, giving his last public appearance ever of playing the piano with an orchestra. It is reckoned to be the most demanding of the concerti from an execution standpoint and Giltburg is not found wanting.

As on his two earlier albums, a Fazioli piano is again the Israeli pianist's instrument of choice and he is splendidly supported by the RLPO in the charge of Vasily Petrenko. There is passion and an elegance in the playing of both orchestra and soloist. The fine sounding recordings, produced by Andrew Keener, were made in the former's home city.

The jewel box booklet, like its predecessors, has a cover photo of mountains taken by Giltburg, who is a keen photographer. The sleeve shows conductor and soloist, maybe smiling broadly at a job well done?

These are performances to cherish and well worth acquiring even if, like me, you already have the works in your collection.

*Naxos 8.574151 & 8.574153

© Peter Burt 2023

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