Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58 (Rondo: Vivace)

“I think the Beethoven symphonies with the Divan orchestra is different in the sense that there is a terrific amount of energy because of the youth of the people – but there is just as much rigour. The combination of rigour with youthful energy is very strong” (Daniel Barenboim, speaking in the TV documentary on this project).

The Symphonies were recorded in August 2011 in Cologne, the glorious (final) instalment of a worldwide tour that began in August 2010 at the legendary Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and will cover four continents by 2012. The orchestra’s 2012 engagements include a European tour culminating in the performance of all Nine Symphonies at the BBC Proms.

Blessed with an almost frightening talent, Hélène Grimaud is a woman of strong ideals, immense energy and exceptional tenacity. As a pianist she often divides her audience, for hers Is no usual approach to the piano repertoire. Grimaud plays from the gut, with scant regard for convention, rules or reverence. Listening to her can often make one question one’s preconceptions about a work, since she has a unique way of approaching even the most familiar pieces from an unexpected, personal perspective. Whether or not the critics approve, the process is constantly creative and the results are always compelling at a deep, psychological level, attracting a cult following worldwide. The present collection represents a retrospective survey of some of her finest earlier recordings, made between 1995 and 2000.