Finding an absolute interpretation of a Beethoven work is a very difficult undertake, yet finding a revelatory interpretation of the last two piano concertos is even more difficult. One would need two interpreters of the same caliber able to communicate perfectly with each other. For a while I thought that happened only in the case of the Emperor of Furtwangler and Edwin Fisher. And out comes this box from Testament as another proof that musical miracles can happen.
And what a miracle. At first I couldn't believe that the most profound Beethovenian pianist, i.e. Arrau, and the Dean of the Beethovenian conductors played together. But they did and the result is fabulous. The music is born before reaching your ears, two fundamental forces of nature just erupt and become one to the very heart of Beethoven tone and message. It is a unbelievable act of creation so true and so powerfull that you forget about anything else. Arrau plays like in no other of his recordings. His spirit goes to the heart of music sharper and more insightful than anywhere else. His technique is wonderful, in what was probably the peak of his physical form. The piano is from another world to put it in one sentence.
On the other hand this is the first recording of any of the three piano concertos where orchestra is a partner of equal power and equal share to the musical drama. These are the only recordings I know (and believe me I know some) that have two main characters of the same impact and weight. Klemperer conducts his orchestra with the authority and the granitic force that are his landmark. Anywhere the fiery spirit of Arrau goes Klemperer follows with force and see-through knowledge.
As it is probably clear by now I think that these are the ultimate Beethoven piano concertos in an unearthy class of their own which only Furtwangler Fisher partnership managed to reach before.
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