What are you listening to now?

[Peter]

This is a weird and wonderful one, Beethoven's own transcription of his violin concerto for piano.
For a so-called "piano concerto", it's an oddity. What's your take on it?

Yes well it only came about because of Clementi who requested it as the original violin version wasn't proving popular. The most interesting thing is by far the highly original cadenzas Beethoven wrote for piano and timpani and as we have none by him for the original version of the concerto I think the transcription (back the other way this time!) by Wolfgang Schneiderhahn should be incorporated more in performances of the violin version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqi...LizaFerschtman

[Chris]

This is a weird and wonderful one, Beethoven's own transcription of his violin concerto for piano.
For a so-called "piano concerto", it's an oddity. What's your take on it?

This is one I come back to every once in a while just for the weirdness of it. Because I have heard the violin version so many times, every time the piano enters, it disorients me a little. As Peter mentioned, the cadenzas are something, and the piece is worth at least one listen for them alone. I enjoy it on its own, but it's also very interesting to see how a master composer can take one work clearly intended for a specific solo instrument and make it something great on the piano as well.

[Sorrano]

The cadenza with the timpani makes it worth while for me to listen to occasionally. Seems someone recorded the original concerto with a violin transcription of the timpani cadenza, but I can't remember who it was.

[Peter]

The cadenza with the timpani makes it worth while for me to listen to occasionally. Seems someone recorded the original concerto with a violin transcription of the timpani cadenza, but I can't remember who it was.

See my post above, but here's the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqi...LizaFerschtman
Here's a complete performance with Wolfgang Schneiderhan (who made the transcription), Eugen Jochum

[Quijote]

I haven't checked closely at all, but I was wondering if Beethoven changed the orchestration in any way when he transcribed it for piano. Anybody know?

[Chris]

I haven't checked closely at all, but I was wondering if Beethoven changed the orchestration in any way when he transcribed it for piano. Anybody know?

No, it is only the solo part that is different. The primary source for the piece includes both the violin and piano solo parts written out together. You can see some of the pages here: https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/b...iolin-concerto

[gprengel]

the great Don Giovanni Finale f?r Piano arranged by Bizet: https://youtu.be/UFDbFC6zIeE

[Peter]

the great Don Giovanni Finale f?r Piano arranged by Bizet: https://youtu.be/UFDbFC6zIeE

I'd no idea Bizet had done that - thanks Gerd for that.

[Chris]

I'd no idea Bizet had done that - thanks Gerd for that.

Neither did I - I'm looking forward to listening to the entire work now!

[Sorrano]

Tonight l listened to the first movement of Bruckner's 3rd Symphony (first version, performed by Eliahu Inbal with the Radio-Sinfomie-Orchester Franfurt). Right off I am aware of the balance of the movement being more favorable in this version than the later versions. For example, in the development section there occurs a tutti statement of the opening theme that happens almost right in the middle of the movement. With the cuts, it occurs close to the end of the development section, so that the opening repetition of the theme seems almost redundant in the later versions. I found this particular recording, as well, to be very rewarding and am looking forward to listening (again) to the rest of the work.

[Peter]

Schumann's piano quartet in Eb - yes the quintet (in the smae key) is fine, but this gem shouldn't be overshadowed by it - especially listen out for the glorious 3rd movt (12'55) in this wonderful performance by the Notos quartet.

[Zevy]

The Waldstein Sonata played by Horowitz (2 versions), as well the original 2nd movement, better known as "Andante favori", played by Mikhail Pletnev.

[Chris]

The Waldstein Sonata was the sonata really gripped me when I first got a complete set of the piano sonatas and listened through them all. I decided right then to learn it, only to find out it wasn't as manageable as Fur Elise. I still haven't learned it!

[Peter]

Andras Schiff - Bach, Goldberg variations. I very much like his interpretation despite my admiration for Gould's 1955 version. - a very different approach but greater clarity with the Schiff.

[Chris]

Andras Schiff - Bach, Goldberg variations. I very much like his interpretation despite my admiration for Gould's 1955 version. - a very different approach but greater clarity with the Schiff.

Yes, and his Well Tempered Clavier set is my favorite piano recording of it. His Bach is really excellent.