Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 5 "Emperor" (1955) Casadesus/Mitropoulos

Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor"

1. Allegro (0:07)
2. Adagio un poco mosso (19:03)
3. Rondo: Allegro-Piu allegro (25:43)

Robert Casadesus, pianist
Dimitri Mitropoulos, conductor
Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York

Recorded on September 19, 1955
in Salle de la Mutualite, Paris

The Robert Casadesus recording of the "Emperor" was hailed by critics when it was first issued, and is still highly regarded today. His touch with respect to early nineteenth century technique was quite remarkable, and it is easy to imagine that performances of the concerto in the early 1800s may have sounded very similar to this.

The fifth concerto certainly does lend itself well to the sound and playing of modern pianists, but there is also much to be said for the lighter touch of Beethoven's own time, which Casadesus gives us a taste of here. Musically it is quite wonderful.

When a recording is produced as conservatively and splendidly as this one was, it is also just as demanding in restoration. Although we issued this one before, an even more patient and subtle approach yielded better results. A jewel must be polished with the utmost care.

Especially when recorded in a hall that is designed to deliberately produce an asymmetrical tone like this one by shortening to the right side of the stage. We can now enjoy the coloration this beautifully designed hall adds with greater clarity.

Digital Transfer (2022): b sharp Music and Media Solutions
Full acoustic restoration (2023): Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio

In order for our posts to remain commercial-free, we do not monetize on this channel. If you wish to offer support for this kind of music and sound, you may make a donation to:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=R67VDECNSR9CE

Видео Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 5 "Emperor" (1955) Casadesus/Mitropoulos канала Restoration Archive