Beethoven’s Complete Piano Concertos 2 – Dénes Várjon and Concerto Budapest A Zeneakadémia saját szervezésű programja

On the second recital in the grandiose enterprise undertaken by Dénes Várjon and Concerto Budapest (conductor: András Keller) it is the turn of the even numbered Beethoven piano concertos. Even though in the first concert just a week before Dénes Várjon performed three works, this evening is no small endeavour either. The concerto in B major, released as the second but actually the first Beethoven wrote, is the stunning hit composition of the 18-year-old genius, whereas the Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major is completely different: it was presented in the palace of Prince Lobkowitz together with the Coriolan Overture and Symphony No. 4 in 1807. The work is characterized neither by the profuse virtuosity of the early compositions nor the demonic heroism of later Beethoven music: instead, it is an introspective, serious piece, a piano concerto that represents a true mine of possibilities for the reflective and intellectual pianist. Dénes Várjon is just such an artist.