Repertoire: The BEST and WORST Beethoven Triple Concerto

Considered by many to be Beethoven's dullest major work, the Triple Concerto, once you get to know it, turns out of be a fascinating experiment in concerto form that laid the groundwork for the masterpieces that followed: the Fourth and Fifth Piano Concertos and the Violin Concerto. With that in mind, the piece an be enjoyed and appreciated on its own merits (assuming you get one of the very few great recordings of it). This is a very long video because of the extensive musical examples, but I hope you find it worth the time.
Musical Examples courtesy of Naxos Records

[@matthewweflen]

I've never found the Triple Concerto dull, and I enjoy the two big Karajan recordings immensely. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[@classicallpvault8251]

It's a masterpiece full of the same euphoric and lyrical melodic parts that people love Mozart for, yet also 100% in Beethoven's own style. I was surprised that Dave found this to be dull.

[@samlaser1975]

At the age of 75 and have played and listened to music since I was 6 years old, I am constantly learning from Dave. Excellent teacher ...and a great stand-up comic when he wants to be!

[@stephenmarmer543]

One of the most informative of your many outstanding discussions. Hearing the Triple as an experimental transitional work makes it interesting again. These longer form talks are very helpful. Thank you.

[@kylejohnson8877]

I don’t care what anyone else says - the Triple Concerto has always been one of my favorite Beethoven works. So what if it doesn’t have the drama, turmoil, and rigorous development of his other works? It’s such an unabashedly tuneful, sunny, and joyous creation that never fails to make me grin from ear to ear. And, being a cellist myself, I’m very appreciative of the leading role that Beethoven gave to the cello in this work!

[@classicallpvault8251]

Same here. It's fabulous. Full of lyrical melodies and at times outright euphoria, but never over-the-top. One of Beethoven's best works.

[@michaelharrison2405]

It's my favourite Beethoven concerto! My favourite CD performance for many years has been the Collegium Aureum one with Badura-Skoda, Maier, and Anner Bylsma as soloists. Bags of personality and character!!!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Oh, nice recommendation. I have that one in my collection. I'll have to give it a try because, to be honest, I've never really warmed to the Triple Concerto.

[@carteri6296]

It sounds a little period-y and that’s not my cup of tea, but to each their own.

[@michaelharrison2405]

This must be one of the best reviews David Hurwitz has done. He is so right to say that the 3 Russian HvK CD is so dull. I once bought it - and got rid of it. It is reviewed by Norman Lebrecht under "Madness - 20 records that should never have been made". IMHO the1st movement development often sorts out the best from the mediocre.

[@notanemoprog]

Top video! Your channel is a true goldmine. Thank you for selflessly sharing your knowledge and passion.

[@classicaldame4372]

Thanks so much David, for yet another excellent informative chat. I've never considered the Triple Concero boring; just the performances. I've heard some disinterested performances, including the ones you mention. I've always liked the Serkin recording, and I'm going to listen to the ones you recommend. Thanks again for these chats; always love to listen and learn.

[@ElliottSalmon-ox5gp]

Thanks again. This channel has become my go-to when discovering a new piece.

[@joseperla9806]

I had consigned this concerto to oblivion, but this video has taught me to appreciate it with fresh ears. I sampled the Zinman recording you have recommended, and it's a keeper, like the work itself. Thank you for rescuing me from ignorance, Dave!

[@JackBurttrumpetstuff]

I love the work. It’s really a 2 1/2 concerto, the piano isn’t an equal parter… thanks for the background info. In retrospect, it makes so much sense. I also find the EMI Karajan sodden, and dull, but like the later DG (with Yo-yo Ma, Mutter and Zeltser) from 1980 - very good: brisk , and taut.

[@artistinbeziers7916]

I absolutely love this "dullest" work ! A fascinating and informative talk, as always. Thanks Dave. I absolutely agree about the Oistrakh et al recording. Urrrggghhh!

[@Plantagenet1956]

I like this dull work too. Absolutely marvellous. I have the Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter, Berliner Philharmoniker Karajan, and Harnoncourt.

[@johnwright7557]

Well, the Triple Concerto isn’t so dull after all! Thanks for doing this. You have changed my mind on the piece. Now I’ll have to dig out my Zinman recording or Ormandy’s, though I got the latter for its unmissable coupling of the Emperor with Fleisher/Szell.

[@classicore22]

Thank you for the enlightening talk!

[@episodesglow]

Thank you Dave, that performance with Zinman is really special.

[@Wolfcrag85]

I've always loved the piece as it was one of the works that introduced me to Beethoven's concerto output, together with the 5th Piano Concerto. No wonder the experience was a most pleasant one since I was in the hands of Stern/Istomin/Rose/Ormandy and Fleischer/Szell.

[@monteclavis8033]

Thank you for taking the time to talk about this piece that can be really rewarding! Could you please do a video about another Beethoven piece, that needs work to appreciate? I am talking about the choral phantasy..

[@lucbenac9756]

This has ben incredibly helpful. Looking forward to more of the same model for other works. Thank you. I now have four "contrasting" versions of it...."however" Zinman, Drahos and outside of your recommendations Faust/Queyras/Melnikov/Heras-casado and Fournier/Anda/Schneihan/Fricsay

[@marlenemeldrum7382]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!! Thank you again!!!

[@saltyfellow]

So nice to have some great music talk to keep us focused In beauty and hope

[@glenj3696]

This is a cool talk. As the founding and sole (I think) member of the Jeno Jando cult I am actually a bit peeved with myself that I haven't listened to this performance yet (when I've listened to the violin concerto piano transcription and I actually confused the Naxos customer service staff once when I sent them an email complaining about no Jando Beethoven piano concertos). I will listen to it tomorrow...

[@bbailey7818]

Great topic! Thank you. I love this work. If you can bring off that first mvt, you've nailed it. I only wish Columbia had recorded Bernstein's fast and splendidly fleet take no prisoners 1959 interpretation which at least is preserved in an ok (only) sounding broadcast. Dave, how about a survey of the Choral Fantasy (ies)?

[@Sulsfort]

More than 30 years ago I taped this concerto from a radio broadcast (forgot who played) and wanted to love it like the other Beethoven stuff I got to know before. But it didn't happen. Later I got the recording by Herbert Kegel with Peter Rösel (piano), Christian Funke (violin), Jürnjakob Timm (cello) & the Dresden Philharmonic, which I liked better. So I listen to this recording every three years and think: "Oh, this is more interesting than I remember." And, yes, the finale compensates a little bit for the clumsiness of the first movement.

[@ewaldsteyn469]

​@@pablovivanco1000What a shame that Peter Rosel has become forgotten. He was a magnificent pianist, unfortunately hidden behind the iron curtain to such an extent that very few people, even in Germany it seems, are totally unaware of how great he was. Anyway, that is their loss. I have built up quite a collection of his recordings and can enjoy his great music making.

[@MLV_memories]

I've always loved the triple concerto. I agree with you about the Karajan, Oistrakh, Richter version. HOWEVER! however, my favorite recording is the other Karajan recording on DG with Anna Sophie Muter, Yo Yo Ma and Mark Zeltzer. I also like Claudio Arrau with the Beaux Arts Trio on Phillips. It has faster tempos than I normally expect with Arrau. Great video as usual.

[@jeffreylevy1108]

I know of atleast two recordings of the triple on philips: Arrau/Szeryng/Starker and the Beaux Arts trio recordings...but not one that combines the either of the artists......

[@glawnow1959]

I'm also a huge fan of the Karajan DG with Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yo Yo Ma, and Mark Zeltser, but I'm biased since I used to live in Shreveport, where Zeltser lived and worked for several years, and saw him several times in concert while he was there.

[@justinprice9017]

Thanks, David. The Triple Concerto is not a piece I've ever listened to much. I do have the Karajan recording you talked about on vinyl. I'll give it another listen. And then maybe get rid of it, I need to thin my collection. I much enjoyed the exposition on the Naxos CD. Thanks for the explication.

[@EddieJazzFan]

Jando also does a pretty good Beethoven sonata cycle on Naxos

[@james.t.herman]

An "ear opener" of an episode. The Mozart influence makes sense. I haven't listened to the piece in a very long time. I'd had the idea that it was a student piece, and not something Beethoven intended to stand with the piano concertos and violin concerto.

[@LearningCurve9]

Thanks so much, Dave, for your talk on the Triple Concerto. I had always shared your initial view that this is Beethoven's dullest major work. My favorite comment about it was a review of a live performance with Bernstein conducting Previn (piano), Menuhin, and Rostropovich. The reviewer described the piece as "Four conductors in search of a concerto." The Karajan/Richter, Oistrakh, Rostropovich recording also gave the impression of four superstars in search of a concerto. So I tried established piano trios such as the Beaux Arts, and that seemed to go wrong in the other direction, giving us a chamber work with an extraneous orchestra. But now I really GET it. The Zinman, Bronfman, et al performance works beautifully and so does the Naxos. The key seems to be that the soloists should focus on lyricism rather than virtuosity or "sturm und drang," while as you say, each asserting their own personality in a mutually cooperative way. Thanks again for opening this piece up for me.

[@gregg281261]

I quite like the HvK, Yo Yo Ma et al effort. The issue with listening to Beethoven from a young age is that the performances tend to imprint themselves on the brain. I had this experience with the 9th. Ansermet and the Suisse Romande with Sutherland and others (as an Aussie, I’m particularly fond of Sutherland). Rightly or wrongly, I now measure every performance of the 9th against the Ansermet. Them’s the breaks!

[@xyphoto]

Many thanks Maestro! I hope you will go over the violin concertos of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, and Bruch in the future.

[@osservanza95]

Thank you for another illuminating video. Any thoughts on the Fricsay/Anda/Schneiderhan/Fournier recording?

[@barbaricyawper14]

I have that one and find it’s the only one I listen to! I wonder what Dave makes of it too

[@jensguldalrasmussen6446]

@@barbaricyawper14 If it's the one, that makes it work for you, why bother about mr. Hurwitz' opinion? Why not instead listen to a few of David's other recommendations, and then return to the Fricsay recording and see, how you feel about it then? (i.e. keep on listening! 😉)

[@barbaricyawper14]

@@jensguldalrasmussen6446 I do have others, but none of the ones Dave recommends. I’m just curious about what Dave thinks of the Fricsay since I really respect his opinions!

[@jg5861]

Hi, David! Thank you for telling what I always felt: this concerto was always a dull piece for me, for exactly those reasons you point out. Have you heard the Storioni Trio's recording, under Jan Willem de Vriend? It's my favorite, very lively and sharp AND exquisitely chamber-like in the soloists' beautiful interplay, without being syrup-sounding in any way. Cheers!

[@jeffreylevy1108]

I am listening to that very recording now for the first time. It is a stunning performance and recording..... And by the way, I have never found this concerto boring....it may be hard to record....but....in my humble opinion there are many outstanding recordings......

[@jackhinkley6162]

A quite interesting and useful commentary. I agree with you about EMI recording which was my first serious exposure to this music. But for me, the Suk Trio with the Czech Philharmonic under Masur on Supraphon gives a much more integrated and satisfying performance.

[@nicholasthill7151]

I sang the praises of the Zinman recording on another post. When it came out, I listened to it so often, Arte Nova had to file a cease and desist order against me.

[@alanmcginn4796]

So very glad zinman gets the nod here. I have the Arte nova disc which I think is fantastic. He is a great conductor. I think his Beethoven symphonies and overtures with the Tonhalle are wonderful also, along with his Schumann symphony cycle.

[@beathermann6039]

You are right with the choice of the Zinman Zurich Tonhalle recording. I listened to the the Barenboim - Yo-yo Ma - Perlman recording, wonderful! But thank you to pointing to Zinman, much more polyphonic.

[@johanneskubitschek7888]

Thank you for recommanding Zinmans Triple Concerto recording, a really great Performance! I think the following recording shouldnt miss in your leaderboard, because it has, as i think, even more colours, warmth, humanity, depth and speech in articulations…Harnoncourts live recording with COE and Aimard, Zehetmair and Hagen!!! Thank you😊

[@gregg281261]

Hi Dave, love your work. I bow to your superior music knowledge of sonata and concerto form etc. HOWEVER….The LvB TC is one of my favourite works of all time. I cut my teeth on this work. I studied engineering listening to this work. Dull?, maybe, compared to everything else out there, but nonetheless enjoyable. Many of my non-classical friends enjoy it as an intro to the fabulous classical world. I often wondered why LvB wrote it. It always seemed a weird misfit to me. Your discussion on this was very interesting. My favourite: the Ashkenazy/Perlman/Harrell version. Probably because it was the first version I heard and it has imprinted itself on me as a 20 year old ( way back then). As a result of your discussion, I will enjoy making an effort to listen to and live others. Thanks so much. Gregg

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Actually, it's a perfect to piece to listen to when you're studying engineering because the work so much "about" concerto form generally. It's an essay in structure and design.

[@gregg281261]

I’m sorry… I was confused about my favourite LvB TC. It was HvK with Yo Yo Ma et al, not Ashkenazy etc. I was thinking of the fabulous “Archduke“ trio. Ashkenazy, Perlman and Harrell. I put it down to age….😊

[@aaronrabushka5688]

This makes me recall Deryck Cooke's notes to both David Oistrakh recordings. He says there that a great concerto needs to be 1) a great work of art, and can be 2) a feast of melodic and other esthetic beauties, and can also be 3) powerfully emotional. He says that all of Beethoven's concertos belong to the first category, but that the triple is the only one that belongs to the first category and the first alone. Not dull at all.

[@georgejohnson1498]

I have had the Oistrack with Sargent for more than forty years on LP and CD. I liked it from the start! Eventually I got the Karajan recording, which I soon took to the charity shop ... Fantastic talk from you. I shall be fascinated with trying out some of your recommendations as time allows. Best wishes from George

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

It's a bit of a relief hearing an authority say this, because I've never been able to really get into this work. Of course, being a bit of a nut, I have a dozen recordings of it anyway, in hopes that the epiphany would hit me. I have the venerated Oistrakh/Rostropovich, which did always strike me as a sludgy slog, like being stuck at the mausoleum when you'd rather be at the disco. I have some of the good, and the bad, that you mention, but am in immediate pursuit of the Zinman.

[@hendriphile]

At the start of this video I asked myself, “Why is Dave calling this Beethoven’s dullest major work”? I love it and listen to it for enjoyment. But then, for all these years I’ve lived with, and been imprinted on, the Stern/Rose/Istomin/Ormandy/Philadelphia recording in the “Gala Performance” Columbia LP box… and as Dave indicated later in the video, a great performance can make all the difference.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

It always does.

[@wkasimer]

I agree about the Zinman, but my favorite is the Antonini with Carmignola, Gabetta, and Lazic - and it's coupled with some kick-ass Beethoven overtures.

[@pascalrousseau1]

In connection with your recent videos on the violin repertoire. I am currently wondering what would be, for you, the equivalent of a Claudio Arrau, but for the violin. So which artist would embody this equivalent, especially for the standard repertoire of the 19th century. In terms terms of consistency (what else could it be, unless that repertoire is much larger than what I know of, if so, i would be more than happy). So, the only violin box you will take to a desert island. the one that comes to mind first. Violinists have such a characteristic sound, I guess it can only be a personal choice

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Grumiaux

[@pascalrousseau1]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Thanks for your answer.

[@willgreen2196]

I love Argerich and her cronies!!! What a fabulous recording. I admit, Martha tends to not care so much about the formal intentions of the composers she plays (sometimes... in Prokofiev, she's excellent) but I agree with you, this piece could use a little spice. And I think Martha's spice is the secret ingredient!!! Great video, Dave!! I'll keep listening to these other recordings (although they won't top Martha!!!)

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Listen to Hurwitz. He's right. My version sucks. Love, Martha

[@johnh5958]

I heard the Eroica Trio play it in a church at the Lancaster Ohio Music Festival. It was a magnificent performance.

[@antoineduchamp4931]

Oh David, it isn't a dull work.... I love it. Thanks for this great appreciation.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

The fact that you love it doesn't mean that it isn't dull. That is simply the consensus opinion.

[@antoineduchamp4931]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I will bow to the master! thank you for your reply.

[@pianoronald]

I always loved the triple concerto ever since I first heard it.

[@antoineduchamp4931]

@@pianoronald Mr. R.S. I totally agree. And if David reads this, he may not be too pleased to know that I adore the Oistrakh/Richter/Rostopovich recording with the Berlin Phil and Karajan. Recorded in 1970 to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of Beethoven's birth.

[@pianoronald]

@@antoineduchamp4931 There is a lovely performance on KZbin conducted by Blomstedt with Isabelle Faust, Jean-Guihen Queyras and Martin Helmchen. Worth watching and listening! Happy

[@stevenmsinger]

Wow! You have me so excited to go listen to the Zinman version of the Triple Concerto. I love the soloists and I've always enjoyed Zinman's version of the complete symphonies. I'm not saying it's the best, but it's pretty darn good. However, for me there has always been one version of the Triple Concerto that stood heads and tails above the others - the one with Geza Anda, Wolfgang Schneiderhan and Pierre Fournier. It's even conducted by Ferenc Fricsay. I wrote this piece off as a dud until I heard that recording. It was the only one I'd heard that made it sound like something worth hearing. Have you heard it?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Check our my review of the Fricsay box. Of course I've heard it.

[@rudilindner817]

As a cellist I happen to like this piece. I cut my teeth on an old ten inch lp with Leonard Rose as the cellist. At the time I was also playing the Waldstein on the piano, which I did not understand at all. Mebbe that’s why I took a liking to the triple concerto-easier on the simple mind….thank you for this and your other presentations…

[@mancal5829]

It's funny, the first ever recording I heard of the Triple Concerto was the one with Ormandy and, naturally, I knew about the work's "reputation", so I wasn't expecting much, but when I heard it I thought, 'Hey, this isn't half bad'. Then again, I've never heard the Karajan recording, so...

[@djquinn4212]

The two best Beethoven recordings Zinman made were the Violin concerto with Hilary Hahn and this one. He's a great accompanist.

[@steenstube]

I downloaded the Naxos recording you recommended, but I couldn´t finish listen to it. The sound is lacking low and high end, and is so harsh that I had to give up.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Weird. I had the physical disc.

[@Felipe.Taboada.]

47:46 amazing perfomance and sound. I also like the Fricsay/Fournier/Schneiderhan/Anda version.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That's a fine one too.

[@markfarrington5183]

Fricsay, Fournier & Schneiderhan also made a BEAUTIFUL Brahms Double, possibly at the same sessions.

[@rtisom]

@@markfarrington5183hi, was it Fournier or Starker?

[@markfarrington5183]

Right you are - it IS Starker on that one.

[@rsmickeymooproductions4877]

Not a dull piece, but it's the way it's performed can be, as you pointed out. I think it definitely needs air and space with a light touch. I do like the SIMAX recording Boris Berezovsky, piano · Urban Svensson, violin · Mats Rondin, cello · Swedish Chamber Orchestra Örebro · Thomas Dausgaard, conductor. In many ways it's similar to the Zinman recording but on a smaller scale.

[@markharmer5114]

Yes! Was hoping someone would mention the SIMAX recording (coupled with the third piano concerto). Certainly my fave. In fact, the entire cycle is my go to! But I will fish out the Zinman with Bronfman & Co and have another listen...

[@robertdandre94101]

excellent analys of this work mr hurwitz....i like the polonaise too,,,the middle section particulary....and i remember when i start to listen music in the antiquity ,the fm of radio canada at montréal presenting at 11.00pm each day a program on the life and work of beethoven were i met a fews and fews works of beethoven...i remember the version of op 56 presenting at this program is the recording of arrau-szeryng ( sorry!) ,and straker with inbal on phillips....you choice of recording is good ,particulary rudolf serkin it,s stay my best.....so why i have always impression this work is not correctly recording....? the balance of soloist and orchestra on all versions i listen ( more 50 !),is so bad....it' a dificult for soung engenering made this work correctly....?

[@TheScottishoats]

I can't imagine a better teacher than you, Dave-and yet, I'm getting flashbacks of High School Geometry class. I love classical music, I love your channel but for the life of me I can't wrap my mind around the construction of this music. It's not that I don't want to understand this-I just don't get it. Am I alone in this? Any thoughts that might quell my frustration?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No, you're not alone. You just have to keep listening and you get what you get. Form can be appreciated consciously, or intellectually, or simply as enjoyment of the work and the knowledge that it spoke to you. Either way is equally valid.

[@TheScottishoats]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Thank you for your kind reply, that helps. I will keep on listening. Ah, if only my Geometry teacher was as encouraging...

[@elliotdavies3555]

@@TheScottishoats Might I suggest watching Bernstein's Young People's Concert on Sonata form or of course DH's video. Bernstein had the advantage of having the NYP to provide examples!

[@TheScottishoats]

@@elliotdavies3555 Thank you.

[@Mezzotenor]

David, thanks as always, but I'd like to put in a good word for a version I didn't see mentioned: Warner has Harnoncourt & COE with Pierre-Laurent Aimard, also coupled with the Choral Fantasy AND the Rondo in B-flat WoO6 (replaced as finale of Concerto 2). Perhaps fans of Aimard don't view the disc as one of his big hits, but I enjoy it.

[@francoisjoubert6867]

Going to listen to Harnoncourt just now!

[@buschovski1]

youre brilliant dave. i love you my friend. theres really nothing i have to say. just have a nice day

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you. That's very kind.

[@camillobenso468]

Indeed Richter himself said that The triple Concerto with Karajan was a disaster and caused a big argument among the musicians..Oistrach and Richter wanted to play again the entire Concerto whereas Karajan and Rostropovich were happy about the recording. At the end Karajan decided that no other recording session would take place with big frustration of Oistrach and Richter. Richter told this to Bruno Monseignon in a documentary dedicated to the pianist..

[@brunoluong7972]

Why do you mention Rostropovich in Argerich/Capucon/Miasky version?

[@ftumschk]

David corrected the error with a caption.

[@HYP3RK1NECT]

Ahora solo falta su concierto para violín.

[@micolsen9824]

Thumbs up.

[@mrmrosullivan]

I've long had an affinity for Beethoven's less beloved works, like this and the Choral Fantasy. I have now listened to your However recommendation (and loved it), I sigh when I realise that most of Zinman's Beethoven is really hard to get on CD. I am, however, going to throw in a really recent recording that I think is really interesting and vibrant (and challenges the Zinman and Friends one) - the Pentatone recording with Inon Bartanan, Stefan Jackiw and Alisa Weilerstein with St. Martin's in the Fields and Alan Gilbert. It has freshness, vigour and it has Weilerstein, who really digs into the cello part. It's the polar opposite to that other recent recording on period instruments from Faust, Queyras and Melnikov, which is the worst I think I have ever heard. Just awful. Almost worth a bake and melt from your blowtorch.

[@jlaurson]

It's one of those works that is super-exciting, when you first find out that Beethoven hasn't just recorded the piano concertos and the violin concerto but also one for Cello AND Violin AND Piano. How amazing! And it's great upon discovery, usually, but boy, does that excitement drop off fast. Heard it very recently again in concert and it was just an absolute snooze fest with three fairly immature soloists. A bit the same with the Choral Fantasie. What? Another Piano Concerto. With Chorus. AND preshadowing the 9th? Amazing! Except, very soon it isn't. Thanks for going into detail as to why it can be such a disappointment.

[@gregg281261]

It shows Beethoven was human after all!

[@MDK2_Radio]

Dull? P’shaw! That’s the second piano concerto’s crown, not the triple’s. That said, interesting and informative lecture.

[@ThreadBomb]

I would give the title to the first movement of the violin concerto.

[@donaldjones5386]

@@ThreadBomb Ouch! Have you listened closely to the first movement of the VC? Fabulous! (A word I try not to overuse.) Great ideas and brilliantly structured. The Triple is OK, but not his greatest concerto. Have you tried the Archduke Trio?

[@2alberich2]

David, you might have at least mentioned (or possibly rubbished) my personal favourite: the Philips rercording with Ulf Hoelscher, Heinrich Schiff and Christian Zachartias, with Kurt Masur conducting the Gewandhaus Orchestra.What happened?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Life is too short.

[@tlhui]

Apparently the Russian trio didn't hit it off with Karajan at all. Karajan even refused to give them an upbeat. In the end, they spent much of the time arguing, with Oistrakh supporting Richter and Rostropovich defended Karajan.

[@carlconnor5173]

I listened to the Zinman. Yes, it was well played. Indeed, as well as it could be, I think. But the only memorable part for me is the Rondo alla polacca.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You're not alone.

[@mike-williams]

The only time I've ever heard this work was at a live performance with the Trio di Trieste sometime in the 80s. They had been playing it since they premiered it in Beethoven's time I believe. Total snoozefest.

[@ilyamoshkov6536]

Chapeau for the Ukrainian T-shirt!

[@petermerelis]

I have not loved this piece ever since I heard the first bars of the first movement's exposition. dull is right.

[@jasonquinlan731]

I've listened to this piece a million times and still can't find anything to like about it. Even Beethoven had his off days.

[@shostakovich343]

Many thanks for thrashing the Karajan Triple Concerto. That may be the most overrated classical recording of all time. I think Jed Distler described this elusive work perfectly when he wrote "Beethoven's Triple Concerto works best when played like a svelte, bubbly concerto grosso rather than middle-period Beethoven pretending to be Elgar."

[@damientuzet338]

A great opportunity for an usual Karajan bashing ! :D

[@JamesCello]

Is that the one with Rostropovich and Richter and Oistrakh? I had such high hopes…. (Sigh)

[@Rillotinspanish]

The Karajan triple concerto with Oistrakh et al is one of the most boring recordings ever. It sounds like they all hated doing it, and Karajan does not care at all about the soloists. Awful. What a waste of time and talent. Luckily, my copy is paired with the Brahms double with Szell.

[@stonefireice6058]

I disagree about Tripple, that’s is the most boring music Beethoven ever wrote. How about his Fidelio? Only orchestral music in it is real Beethoven, but singing, the libretto, concocted in a hurry, not so much. Tripple is one gorgeous, tender, melodic concerto. But I agree, the performance can make or brake any composition. Again, I somewhat disagree about Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter and Karajan record: the trio is superb, but stiff Karajan almost ruins it. The proof of that is their live performance of the Tripple with Kondrashin and Moscow PO in 1970 But my new favorite Tripple is Perlman, Mutter, Barenboim piano/ conducting, released in 2020. Their exquisite performance shines with brilliant and romantic colors of the Tripple, confirming my partiality to this concerto. Also, as I remember from my class of music history, Beethoven met Mozart in 1789, just before Mozarts death. He asked him for several composition lessons. Mozart already heard some of Beethoven orchestral compositions and replied, he couldn’t teach him, but Haydn would be the best to learn from. Mozart thought of Haydn, as the greatest in orchestration art.

[@morrigambist]

@@paxpaxart4740 I knew the work, but when I saw it live i still gasped when the trumpet sounded. Not boring!

[@ulfwernernielsen6708]

Barenboim recorded the trippel concerto twice, both with yo yo Ma . One with Perlman and one with Mutter , but certainly not with Mutter and Perlman together . They are both violinists.