Piano Concerto No.2 (Rosbaud, 1957), No.4 (Klemperer, 1956), Gluck : Fleisher, Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra

Ludwig van Beethoven:
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19

Leon Fleisher - piano
Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra / Hans Rosbaud
Recording: Saal 1, Funkhaus, Cologne, 18 November 1957

Ludwig van Beethoven:
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58
Christoph Willibald Gluck:
Iphegenie aus Aulis, Overture

Leon Fleisher - piano
Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra / Otto Klemperer
Recording: Saal 1, Funkhaus, Cologne, 27 February 1956

Leon Fleisher's great career was cut short early by his debilitating illness at the age of 37 and so any recording featuring his distinguished playing is important. These WDR sourced recordings are rare because they showcase Fleisher in a 'live' studio broadcast - almost all his recordings were in the studio with George Szell for Sony during the 1950's and early 1960's.

Here is partnered in two of Beethoven's most popular concertos by two of the most distinguished conductors of the period, Otto Klemperer and Hans Rosbaud.

Klemperer's performance of Gluck's Iphegenie aus Aulis Overture from the same concert on 27 February 1956 has been added in as a bonus. This is the first authorized release of these recordings in superb sound using WDR's original master tapes.

mono recordings