Maurizio Pollini, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Bohm - Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 (1984)

While noted for his interpretations of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner and Strauss, Bohm is generally not the first conductor I think of when it comes to Beethoven. That said, he has always proven to be a gifted accompanist, and that holds here as well. He and Pollini seem to share a similar vision for this work, and thus both the soloist and orchestral forces work towards the same end goal. Bohm appears to be more energetic in general with this work than I have heard in some of his other Beethoven recordings; notably his symphony set with the VPO from the mid-70s, which is more in the classical vein. Pollini's technically brilliant and muscular interpretation of this extroverted work may have prompted a more robust approach from Bohm, and the results are certainly satisfying. This only can be seen as a credit to Bohm for adapting his conception of the work to match the talents of his gifted soloist. The results are nothing short of stunning, as Pollini effortlessly charts the many difficult passages found here with ease, generating considerable forward momentum and sufficient power when called for, with Bohm providing lockstep yet sensitive accompaniment. The VPO could play this work in their sleep, but they seem to be alert and alive - rather than on autopilot - under Bohm's baton. This recording is from the late 1970s, but wears its years well and sounds excellent still. Liner notes are informative and well-written in multiple languages. This is my favorite rendition of the famous Emperor, and I own a few (Giulini/Michelangeli, Schmidt-Isserstedt/Backhaus, Szell/Fleisher, Haitink/Brendel, Davis/Kovacevich, Ludwig/Gilels, Leitner/Kempff, Haitink/Peraiah). Is it the best? Well, it faces stiff competition from Gilels,Peraiah and Fleisher in particular. Nevertheless an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable performance. Highly recommended.