Musical careers last longer than they used to, and here, it is difficult to detect any weakening of the long-impressive technique of pianist
Garrick Ohlsson, 74 years old, when this album was recorded in the summer of 2022. The feat is especially impressive in that all five of the
Beethoven concertos (plus the
Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43, with no piano) were performed live within a single week.
Ohlsson is backed by the
Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra under the direction of veteran conductor
Donald Runnicles, who points out that he and
Ohlsson had very little discussion about interpretation prior to the performances. It is here that
Ohlsson's expertise is evident. He doesn't blaze any new paths in these works, but one has the feeling that he holds the performances, to borrow a phrase from
John Le Carre, like a thrush's egg in his hand. His readings are simple in the best way. Sample the arresting opening of the first movement of the
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58; it is direct, yet there are micro shapings that bespeak long familiarity. In fact, it is in the first two concertos, where the lengthy expositions make it less possible for
Ohlsson to control the flow of events, that are less effective. The partnership between
Ohlsson and the orchestra, though, is lively throughout, and
Runnicles gets excellent results from what is likely essentially a pickup group; the orchestra is moderately sized and agile. Superb live recording from
Reference Recordings, discussed in detail in the booklet, is another draw. ~ James Manheim
