In time for his 65th birthday in 2007, Daniel Barenboim has completed a cycle of Beethoven's
piano concertos. Recorded live at the prestigious Klavier-Festival Ruhr in May 2007, this
recording reflects both a very individual and special reading of Beethoven’s music and the
artist’s life-long dedication to the composer. Daniel Barenboim is one of the most prolific and
high-profile artists performing on international stages today and Beethoven’s masterpieces
have been a key part of his repertoire throughout his career, both as conductor and as pianist.
Beethoven himself was a keyboard virtuoso of almost awesome abilities who created a
sensation wherever he played. It is no wonder, therefore, that the piano was central to
Beethoven’s overall output. Daniel Barenboim, artistic personality and former wunderkind,
long an essential part of the international musical scene both on the conductor’s podium and
at the piano, is the perfect match for this demanding music. Conducting and playing at the
same time, Barenboim chose his orchestra of almost two decades, the Staatskapelle Berlin,
which he has praised warmly for its exceptional, dark and warm sound. With a tradition
reaching back to 1570, the Staatskapelle Berlin is one of the oldest orchestras in the world.
Barenboim plays Beethoven brings together two musical masterminds.
