Wilhelm Kempff, Beethoven – Hommage À Wilhelm Kempff (Beethoven ･ Die Klavierkonzerte)

Wilhelm Kempff, Beethoven – Hommage À Wilhelm Kempff (Beethoven · Die Klavierkonzerte)

Hommage À Wilhelm Kempff is a magnificent celebration of one of the twentieth century's most revered pianists, presenting Ludwig van Beethoven's complete piano concertos in performances that remain benchmarks of the recorded classical repertoire. Renowned for his poetic touch, lyrical phrasing, and profound understanding of the German classical tradition, Wilhelm Kempff brought a rare combination of intellectual insight and emotional warmth to Beethoven's music.

Few pianists have been as closely associated with Beethoven as Kempff. His interpretations are admired for their elegance, clarity, and natural musical flow, avoiding excessive virtuosity in favour of revealing the humanity and structural brilliance at the heart of the composer's works. These performances demonstrate why Kempff's Beethoven recordings continue to be treasured by collectors and classical music enthusiasts worldwide.

The collection spans Beethoven's complete mature concerto cycle, tracing the composer's evolution from the classical influences of Mozart and Haydn in the First and Second Concertos through to the dramatic intensity of the Third, the lyrical innovation of the Fourth, and the monumental grandeur of the Fifth Concerto, widely known as the "Emperor". Throughout, Kempff's refined artistry is complemented by orchestral accompaniment that highlights the balance and dialogue between soloist and ensemble that lie at the centre of these masterpieces.

An essential collection for admirers of Beethoven and historic piano performance, Hommage À Wilhelm Kempff offers a compelling overview of some of the greatest works ever written for piano and orchestra, interpreted by a pianist whose name remains synonymous with this extraordinary repertoire.

Tracklist:

Side A

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15

1. Allegro con brio

Side B

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15

1. Largo
2. Rondo: Allegro scherzando

Side C

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19

1. Allegro con brio
2. Adagio
3. Rondo: Molto allegro

Side D

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

1. Allegro moderato
2. Andante con moto
3. Rondo: Vivace

Side E

Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37

1. Allegro con brio

Side F

Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37

1. Largo
2. Rondo: Allegro

Side G

Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 ("Emperor")

1. Allegro

Side H

Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 ("Emperor")

1. Adagio un poco mosso
2. Rondo: Allegro