Daniel Barenboim, Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma - Beethoven: Triple Concerto & Choral Fantasy

While most listeners will be most familiar with Beethoven's symphonies, he left a vast range of work which explores human emotion & the human condition. His Triple Concerto for violin, cello & piano was written in 1804, after his deafness had plunged him into the depths of depression and at a time when he had begun to rediscover both his confidence and his desire to express himself. It is a work which will tug at your emotions on many levels. A gentler piece of music than the symphonies, it has no less depth & power. The balance & contrast of the three solo instruments demands more concentrated listening than the symphonies.

Daniel Barenboim, Itzak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma are all outstanding musicians in their own right. Moreover, they are performers, never better than when challenging themselves with the vivacity and spontaneity of a live performance. This remains, for me, the finest recording available (though I would hasten to add, I have not heard them all, and my choice might be more personal than authoritative). The three of them achieve a wonderful balance despite their individual ability to dominate a stage. The immediacy and dynamism of the performance really comes across. The music is an evocation of the human spirit. It is uplifting to hear something so beautiful. It does leave me lost for words. The Choral Fantasia (written in 1805) offered on this DVD is well executed and, while it does not equate to the power and potency of the Choral Symphony, it is, yet again, an affirmation of the human spirit. A wonderful production which has to be listened to in peace and comfort ... preferably with a small tumbler of Talisker or some other malt whisky to hand. Magnificent!

Brand New /sealed DVD NZ G Rated