The Rubinstein Collection Volume 58 - Beethoven Piano Concertos 4 & 5

Performers:

Arthur Rubinstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf

Tracklist:

1. (00:18:40) Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #4 in G, op. 58: I. Allegro moderato
2. (00:04:38) Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #4 in G, op. 58: II. Andante con moto
3. (00:10:08) Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #4 in G, op. 58: III. Rondo: Vivace
4. (00:20:11) Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #5 in E-flat, op. 73 'Emperor': I. Allegro
5. (00:07:42) Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #5 in E-flat, op. 73 'Emperor': II. Adagio un poco moto
6. (00:09:53) Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #5 in E-flat, op. 73 'Emperor': III. Rondo: Allegro

Review:

The recordings on this CD are from Rubinstein's second complete set of the Beethoven Piano Concertos (there is also a seperate Fourth Concerto, with Beecham, recorded in 1947).

These recordings, made in 1963-64, demonstrate Rubinstein was just as "on top" of this music technically as he was in the earlier set with Krips (1956) and much more "into" them musically. In addition, the playing is notably more alert and straightforward than in his later set with Barenboim (1975). To be sure, purists will quibble with Rubinstein's use of rubato, approach to ornamentation, (not to mention his use of Busoni's editions of Beethoven's cadenzas in the Fourth Concerto) but these performances are a joy from the first bar to the last. Leisdorf, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, are to be credited with a fine accompaniment, far more detailed than in the earlier set with Krips.

All three sets of Beethoven Concertos from Rubinstein are worth having, but for those only able to obtain one–this is the one to have. The sound, which was pretty good to begin with, has been superbly remastered. (Hank Drake)