Is this the “End of the Road” asks Norway’s Dagbladet in its review of Volume 3 of the Beethoven Journey. “Now is the final stage in the great journey through Beethoven’s Piano Concerts. Do we see any strands that stand out?”
Yes is the answer with this top rating review of the album which goes one to comment “It is in every way a milestone. The interaction between Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra has been a revelation throughout, and is just as bright on this latest release in the series. With such a level of playing from the orchestra, the gains by eliminating a conductor are palpable … Yet there is never any doubt that Leif Ove Andsnes is in command, leaving his highly distinctive mark on the interpretation. He can play as majestic as hell, if needed. The playing literally buzzes with music. Equally overwhelming are the cascades of sound that pour forth, seemingly effortlessly, and also the completely undaunted turns when he takes the music to the threshold of audibility, without being one less bit distinct because of it.”
“It creates great expectations for when Leif Ove Andsnes hopefully moves on to record Beethoven’s other works for piano.”