Piano Concertos 3, 4 & 5

Renowned conductor Sir Charles Mackerras leads pianist Artur Pizarro and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in a truly memorable performance of these great works.

Originally released in 2009, 'Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concertos 3, 4 & 5' has been re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label's award-winning catalogue.

Upon its release it was selected by Classic FM as its 'Disc of the Week', entered the UK Classical Chart and received several five star reviews.

The magical partnership of Mackerras and the SCO resulted in the addition of Concerto No. 5, which was not originally in the recording plan. Concertos 3 and 4 were recorded very quickly - often in one take!

Beethoven's final three piano concertos demonstrate the composer's move away from the classical style by challenging previous concerto models; delicate and ornamental features are replaced with powerful, rousing, and even heroic, melodies and developments.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Sir Charles Mackerras enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship until the conductor's passing in 2010.

Their recording 'Mozart Symphonies 38 - 41' was named the classical recording of 2008 by the Sunday Times and was named 'Disc of the Year' by BBC Music Magazine.

The Portuguese pianist Artur Pizarro has performed with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on many occasions. In the days prior to the recording, Pizarro joined the orchestra and Sir Charles Mackerras in performances of Beethoven's Third and Fourth Concertos. These performances were met with great critical acclaim.

'Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concertos 3, 4 & 5' deserves its place among the finest versions of these works.