BEETHOVEN CONCERTO NO. 1 – KRYSTIAN ZIMERMAN • SIMON RATTLE

It was 1989 when Krystian Zimerman and Leonard Bernstein joined forces for the first time to record Beethoven’s Piano Concertos Nos. 3, 4 and 5. The resulting recording was extraordinary because it was the result of their deep passion for music and the strong link build between them.   

When Mr. Bernstein died the cycle was not completely recorded, but Zimerman didn’t leave the project unfinished. He kept on conducting the remaining Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 from the keyboard in 1991.  

Now, 30 years after his first recordings, concluding the Beethoven anniversary celebrations, Zimerman comes back to Beethoven’s Piano Concertos in a brand-new interpretation recorded with Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra.  

“Bernstein’s way of making music made a big impression on me,” said Zimerman. “He gave me the courage and the self-confidence to dare something in my interpretations, to try out completely new musical ideas. […] Only with one conductor, it was similar – with Simon Rattle. ” 

The unique affinity between Krystian Zimerman and Sir Simon Rattle is built with years of mutual esteem and shared common principles. the musical communication between Zimerman, Rattle and the LSO is purely harmonious and results in the one of the best inspiring teamworks ever. 

The first movement simply flows with the waves until the heart of the development, after which it slowly eases itself down rewarding us with the magical work of the soloist. Zimerman’s particular sense of fluidity is beautifully articulated in that transition from time-standing-still controlled movement to airy explosion of vitality to head the finale, but with never losing the gracefulness.  

The Polish pianist polished playing is admirable right from the piano response to the bold, forte ascending opening motif of the Third Concerto. Zimerman’s playing is marked by cleanness and accuracy. His phrasing is meticulously balanced, and we can easily visualize the velvety touch with which he tickles the ivories.   

The entire concerto is gloriously played by the LSO full of elegance, which is with no doubt the most remarkable quality of this first Concerto. Performed with admirable sensitivity, the movements are reflective, but never mournful. Rattle never lingers and only occasionally makes his musical points a little too energically.  

Zimerman, Rattle and the LSO offers us a remarkable performance.