Album: Olli Mustonen, Beethoven Piano Concertos Nos 4 & 5 (Ondine)

Though not quite reaching the sublime heights of Evgeny Kissin's interpretations in last year's issue of the complete Beethoven Piano Concertos with Sir Colin Davis and the LSO, Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen displays consummate skill in these renderings of the 4th and 5th Concertos – especially impressive.

Though not quite as poised as Kissin in his transitions from the introspective passages to the cadenzas which ornament the 4th, Mustonen brings great energy to his performances, particularly the more rumbustious opening movement of the lengthy 5th, whose colossal aspect clearly offers no obstacles to his abilities.

Download this Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in E-flat major, Opus 73