Olli Mustonen, Tapiola Sinfonietta – Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 4-5 (2009) [SACD / Ondine – ODE 1146-5]

Title: Olli Mustonen, Tapiola Sinfonietta – Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 4-5 (2009)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Olli Mustonen completes his Beethoven Piano Concerto cycle with Concertos Nos. 4 and 5, performing as both pianist and conductor. He collaborates with the Tapiola Sinfonietta, with whom he has toured Europe to acclaim. Mustonen’s visionary approach is witty yet focused on revealing inner musical structures. His variable tempos and ritardandi highlight chords and cadential passages, giving them new significance. In Concerto No. 4, the opening piano solo is bright and playful, sharply contrasting the orchestral sections. This separation of solo and orchestra is less effective in the grander Concerto No. 5, where dramatic scale feels diluted. Mustonen draws on historical-performance insights while using a modern piano, conducting the crisp 40-member Tapiola Sinfonietta. His lively, distinct solo sections may polarize listeners as either revelatory or mannered. Ondine’s top-notch sound and multilingual booklet enhance the release. Listeners will find Mustonen’s performances engaging, never dull, and highly individual.

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Tracklist:

01. Piano Concerto No.4 in G Major, Op.58: I Allegro moderato
02. Piano Concerto No.4 in G Major, Op.58: II. Andante con moto
03. Piano Concerto No.4 in G Major, Op.58: III. Rondo. Vivace
04. Piano Concerto No 5 in E-Flat Major, Op.73: I. Allegro
05. Piano Concerto No 5 in E-Flat Major, Op.73: II. Adagio un poco moto
06. Piano Concerto No 5 in E-Flat Major, Op.73: III. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo

Personnel:

Tapiola Sinfonietta
Olli Mustonen – piano, Conductor

Note:

Produced by Seppo Siirala. Engineered by Enno Mäemets.
Recorded at Espoo, Tapiola Hall in March 2009 (Op.73) & June 2009 (Op.58)

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