“Kempff strides with Haydnesque gallantry in the First, his brio both bracing and affectionate. The warmth and delicacy of his slow movement is both natural and unaffected, whilst the energy and dynamism of the finale are always controlled by his appropriate touch. The Second Concerto is stylish and gracious, its slow movement emerging beautifully cushioned and relaxed, lyricism fusing with delicacy. Rhythmic pointing informs the finale – that and a puckish, smiling wit, insouciant and alive.” - MusicWeb International, 2006
Wilhelm Kempff's 1953 Beethoven piano concerto cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Paul van Kempen has only grown in reputation over the decades, yet as with the 1950s mono piano sonatas cycle, released in 2020 on Pristine to great acclaim in new XR remasters, this has been a series of recordings regarded as being let down by recording quality. This new series aims to rectify that and bring out the full glory and beauty of these fabulous recordings, starting here with Piano Concertos 1 & 2.