Beethoven’s Triple Concerto

I wanted to share with you probably the most unique performance ever recorded (other than Rachmaninoff playing Rachmaninoff): Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.  I don’t like to use the term “best” when I describe musicians, for several reasons: first, I am not really an authority, able to determine who the best is.  Second, even “the best” are not best at playing their entire repertoire.  And finally, music is not a sport where success is objectively measured in seconds or score counts.

By the time you become a recording professional musician you are good, but there is something that is unique (and maybe there is even a little bit of randomness) that makes you into what I call a musical giant.  This concerto is performed by four giants of classical music: Herbert Von Karajan – conductor, Sviatoslav Richter – piano, David Oistrakh – violin, and Mstislav Rostropovich – cello.   Here is Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Enjoy!