Whatever the shortcomings of the period-performance movement, at least it got us away from the phlegmatic type of Beethoven playing found on this disc. Robert Wagner leads the introduction of Concerto No. 1 in such a heavy, bland manner that he seems almost afraid of the music. And there’s not a moment in either concerto where he evokes the spirit of the young composer from Bonn determined to take Vienna with his cocky brilliance.
Although only in her 50s at the time of this recording, the much-admired Felicja Blumental plays as if past her prime. Yes, there is an engaging richness of tone and admirable lightness of touch (which better suits Concerto No. 2), but these are marred by occasional finger-lapses in rapid passages. Even so, her poise in No. 1’s slow movement is affecting, and No. 2 is a more convincing rendition overall.
Then there’s the recorded sound. There’s no indication in any of Brana’s published material identifying the sources of these 1960s-era recordings, but they sound as if remastered from LPs played with a dirty stylus. Bottom line: for diehard Blumental fans only. [5/19/2011]
