Beethoven: The Piano Concertos | Krystian Zimerman & Leonard Bernstein | 2-DVD Set  

!!! Condition of this DVD set is USED VERY GOOD !!!

Product Information

• UPC: 044007342695
• Product Code: 00440 073 4269 [H2]
• Product Type: Classical Music Concert DVD Set
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon/Unitel Classica
• Format: 2-DVD Video, NTSC
• Picture Format: 4:3 Color
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
• Audio: PCM Stereo, DTS 5.1
• Menu Language: English
• Total Running Time: 197 minutes
• Recording Director: Humphrey Burton

Overview

This prestigious 2-DVD set presents all five of Beethoven's piano concertos in landmark performances featuring the extraordinary Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman. For Concertos Nos. 1 and 2, Zimerman serves as both soloist and conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, showcasing his dual musicianship. For the more technically demanding Concertos Nos. 3, 4, and 5 ("Emperor"), he is joined by the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein, creating a historic artistic partnership. Recorded with exceptional audio quality and directed by the esteemed Humphrey Burton, these performances have been praised for their masterful balance of modern power and precision while honoring the Romantic tradition. Zimerman's renowned technical brilliance and interpretive depth, combined with the Wiener Philharmoniker's warm, rich sound, make this collection an essential document of Beethoven interpretation.

Product Features

• Complete cycle of Beethoven's five piano concertos
• Historic collaboration between Krystian Zimerman and Leonard Bernstein
• Zimerman performs as both soloist and conductor in Concertos Nos. 1 and 2
• Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Directed by renowned filmmaker Humphrey Burton
• High-quality audio in both PCM Stereo and DTS 5.1 Surround Sound
• Region-free discs for worldwide playback
• Presented by Deutsche Grammophon and Unitel Classica

Interesting Facts

Historic Collaboration

The partnership between Zimerman and Bernstein represents a significant meeting of musical minds across generations. Bernstein, in his later years, was selective about his collaborators, and his work with Zimerman on these Beethoven concertos occurred during what would be the final period of his illustrious conducting career. Critics noted the special chemistry between the precise, intellectually rigorous Zimerman and the emotionally expansive Bernstein.

Zimerman's Dual Role

Krystian Zimerman is one of the few top-tier concert pianists who has successfully taken on the challenging dual role of soloist and conductor. His decision to direct the first two concertos from the keyboard connects these performances to the historical practice of Beethoven's own time, when the composer himself would have performed these works while leading the orchestra. This approach allows for a particularly unified artistic vision and remarkable synchronicity between piano and orchestra.

Technical Mastery

Zimerman is renowned for his extraordinary technical control and attention to detail, including traveling with his own specially modified Steinway piano to performances. His meticulous approach extends to studying the original manuscripts of the works he performs, seeking to understand the composer's intentions as deeply as possible. This perfectionism is evident throughout these performances, where his playing combines technical precision with profound musical insight.

Visual Direction

These performances were filmed by Humphrey Burton, a filmmaker with unparalleled experience in classical music who worked extensively with Leonard Bernstein throughout his career. Burton's direction captures both the intimacy of Zimerman's playing—with its subtle nuances of touch and expression—and the broader orchestral textures, providing viewers with a visually engaging complement to the outstanding musical performances.

Program

DISC 1

• Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15 Krystian Zimerman (Piano & Conductor), Wiener Philharmoniker

• Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19 Krystian Zimerman (Piano & Conductor), Wiener Philharmoniker

• Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 Krystian Zimerman (Piano), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), Wiener Philharmoniker

DISC 2

• Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58 Krystian Zimerman (Piano), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), Wiener Philharmoniker

• Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 "Emperor" Krystian Zimerman (Piano), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), Wiener Philharmoniker

Critical Reception

The performances received exceptional critical acclaim, with Die Presse praising Zimerman's "technically invincible" playing that combines "forcefulness without hardness" and "clarity and definition as well as every desirable degree of warmth and songfulness." The review also highlighted the Vienna Philharmonic's "tonal bloom and warmth along with the cleanest articulation and utmost responsiveness," making these interpretations notable for their "wholly modern appeal in its alliance of power and concision, yet without casting overboard the beloved Romantic tradition."

Publishers

Deutsche Grammophon in cooperation with Unitel Classica.

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