Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 19

Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 19

In time for his 65th birthday in 2007, pianist Daniel Barenboim rounded off a cycle of Ludwig van Beethoven piano concertos. Recorded live at the Klavier-Festival Ruhr in May 2007, this recording reflects both a very individual and unusual reading of Beethoven’s music and Barenboim's life-long dedication to the composer. Beethoven’s masterpieces have been a key part of Barenboim’s repertoire throughout his career. Simultaneously conducting and playing the piano, Barenboim leads the Staatskapelle Berlin in a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19. Beethoven premiered his concerto at Vienna's Burgtheater in March 1795, marking his Viennese public concert debut. Contrary to the composer’s other piano concertos, this work is scored for a smaller orchestra, omitting clarinets, trumpets, and timpani.