Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat 'Emperor' / Choral Fantasia in C minor

"Cutting through any deadening deference, here's an endearing spring clean to give these classics a new bounce and vigour...Two centuries of gilt are scraped off and the gain in dynamism is immense." The Times, 11th September 2010

"Notes pour and sparkle from Brautigam's fingers like diamonds...clearly Bruatigam has chosen his instrument to reflect his love of clarity, lightness and speed" Gramophone Magazine, November 2010

For the final instalment of his survey of Beethoven's works for piano and orchestra, Ronald Brautigam has saved 'the final crowning glory of his concerto output', as Beethoven specialist Barry Cooper describes the Fifth Piano Concerto in his liner notes. It is coupled on this disc with the Choral Fantasia - an intriguing work scored for piano, orchestra and chorus with vocal soloists.

he individual discs in Ronald Brautigam's series have received numerous distinctions, including a MIDEM Classical Award in 2010, and his performances have been weighed against classic recordings by legendary pianists. Ronald Brautigam, the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra and Andrew Parrott are in their usual top form, with the brief but crucial appearance of the eminent Eric Ericson Chamber Choir in the Choral Fantasia.