"The orchestral acoustic is still resonant, but it now has a warmth and glow throughout the dynamic range not present in the Dokumente reissue. Likewise, the sonority of the piano now takes on a uniform quality and beauty ... If Pristine Audio can maintain this level throughout the remainder of the cycle, it will be a tremendous and important achievement, indeed. Recommended with the greatest enthusiasm." - Fanfare magazine, 2021
This final instalment in our traversal of Wilhelm Kempff's 1950's Beethoven recordings for DGG - this year's Concertos set followed last years complete Sonatas - ending of course with the 'Emperor' Concerto, again with the Berlin Philharmonic under the baton of Paul van Kempen.
It is paired with Kempff's earlier 1936 recording with the same orchestra of the Emperor, in a swifter reading conducted by Peter Raabe. Not only are both performances excellent - and presented in superb XR remasters - but they're sufficiently different to ensure both is well worth hearing.