Alfred Brendel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine - Beethoven: Complete Piano Concertos (2002)

Brendel's philosophy of the performer's responsibily towards a piece of music and it's composer is not to all tastes. But with material as unsurpassable as the piano concerti of Beethoven, there is a strong argument for letting these compostitons speak for themselves. His interpretations of the slow movements are laced with heart-wrenching beauty. But with rich yet precise backing from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, this cycle is certainly not lacking the power and emotion which is so integral to Beethoven's work. The results include a poignant and deeply moving rendition of the 4th Concerto, whereas the sweeping grandeur and thunderous delivery of the mighty Emporer Concerto make it perhaps the finest rendition of this incredible masterpiece that I have heard. It is fascinating and rewarding to track Beethoven's development and mastery of this musical form, and it is reassuring to feel that the soloist has as much respect for the composer as the listener.