A last minute programme switch in Los Angeles this week brought audiences the chance to hear Leif Ove Andsnes perform two Beethoven piano concertos when only one was scheduled with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel.
Reviewing the concert the L A Times commented “Fortunately, the two Beethoven concertos were in masterful hands. Andsnes waited until his 40s before attempting to record Beethoven’s concertos – his excellent self-conducted Sony CD of Nos. 1 and 3 with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra came out a year ago; the rest await release, and his performances of Nos. 2 and 4 continued the pattern of searching maturity coupled with good rhythm and sharp articulation.
“Andsnes’ pianissimos melted yet every note was clear, and the Finales from both concertos had a lively feeling of swing and momentum at relatively fast tempos. While Andsnes’ Beethoven is not a fire-breathing thing, it mixed well with Dudamel’s virile, now-and-then brusque approach – and occasionally Dudamel and Andsnes would pull a little surprise, like holding back on the tempo at one point in the Finale of the Concerto No. 2 before accelerating effectively back to the original speed.”
Source: Los Angeles Times