Beethoven Concertos by Gulda/VPO
Posted by: Oldnslow on 02 June 2008
Brilliant has recently released the complete Beethoven concertos by Gulda from 1970 with the VPO conducted by Horst Stein, originally released on Decca. If you like Gulda's Beethoven, which I do a lot, I think you would enjoy these performaces. Very straightforward interpretations, with excellent support for the VPO and Stein, who I have never heard of before. The Emperor is especially fine, with Gulda on fire from the first piano entrance to the last note. I'd be interested in Todd's view of this performance.
A word about the recording. It is quite clear, but lacking in bass response. I have no idea if the originals were like this, but would be surprised since Decca recordings of that era were pretty full range. In any event, I like the sound. Crank up the volume a little and the interplay between the orchestra and the piano is just fine. And speaking of the piano, Gulda's laser-like technique is on full display, even sounding at times a little like a fortepiano, especially in the cadenzas of these concertos. The joy (and humor) of these early and mid period Beethoven pieces are on full display, and, much like the sonatas, Gulda just seems to have a knack of getting to the heart of the works.
By the way, there is a fascinating Youtube video of Gulda playing and "conducting" the last movement of the Emperor, with, I think, the Munich Philharmonic. Just a hoot to see him play and try to "direct" the orchestra at the same time. I think Beethoven would have loved it. I guess Gulda, like Gould, is a controversial musician, but in my view his Beethoven playing is in another league from most other pianists. I also bet he was a helluva lot of fun to be around. Kudos to Brilliant for making these performances available, along with the 1967 Amadeo sonata recordings.
A word about the recording. It is quite clear, but lacking in bass response. I have no idea if the originals were like this, but would be surprised since Decca recordings of that era were pretty full range. In any event, I like the sound. Crank up the volume a little and the interplay between the orchestra and the piano is just fine. And speaking of the piano, Gulda's laser-like technique is on full display, even sounding at times a little like a fortepiano, especially in the cadenzas of these concertos. The joy (and humor) of these early and mid period Beethoven pieces are on full display, and, much like the sonatas, Gulda just seems to have a knack of getting to the heart of the works.
By the way, there is a fascinating Youtube video of Gulda playing and "conducting" the last movement of the Emperor, with, I think, the Munich Philharmonic. Just a hoot to see him play and try to "direct" the orchestra at the same time. I think Beethoven would have loved it. I guess Gulda, like Gould, is a controversial musician, but in my view his Beethoven playing is in another league from most other pianists. I also bet he was a helluva lot of fun to be around. Kudos to Brilliant for making these performances available, along with the 1967 Amadeo sonata recordings.