Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 Emperor & Sonata No. 15 Pastoral - Jando / Vladar CD

Two of Beethoven's most beloved works share this Naxos disc: the thunderous 'Emperor' Concerto and the quietly radiant 'Pastoral' Sonata. The contrast is part of the appeal — the concerto all heroic sweep and orchestral grandeur, the sonata intimate and song-like, a perfect palate cleanser.

The 'Emperor' (Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73) is Beethoven at his most commanding. Written in 1809 during the French bombardment of Vienna, it opens with one of the most arresting gestures in all of classical music — three massive orchestral chords, each answered by a cadenza from the soloist. Hungarian pianist Jenő Jandó was one of Naxos's most prolific recording artists, known for clean technique and unfussy musicianship. Stefan Vladar and conductor Barry Wordsworth complete a capable team on a label that made great classical music genuinely affordable.

The Piano Sonata No. 15 in D major, Op. 28 'Pastoral' rounds out approximately 62 minutes of music across seven tracks. Originally recorded in the early 1990s and reissued in 2024.

• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Performers: Jenő Jandó (piano), Stefan Vladar (piano), Barry Wordsworth (conductor)
• Label: Naxos
• Barcode: 730099529020
• Condition: Preloved — used and recycled
• Weight: 4.5 oz / 127g
• SKU: 3z61294