Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Fri 8th February 2013
The Gramophone guide to the best Beethoven recordings
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Introduction
Beethoven truly felt that he was both sent by God and inspired by God. ‘Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy,’ he is quoted as saying. People approach Beethoven with a feeling of awe and reverence, an appropriate response to one of the supreme creative geniuses of history. Read full biography
More on Beethoven...
Beethoven Today – Richard Wigmore speaks to some of the world's leading Beethoven conductors to understand why his music is as relevant and important today as it was 200 years ago.
A meeting of genius – Controversy was certain to ensue when Beethoven met Goethe, writes Richard Wigmore
Beethoven – 10 Essential Recordings
New to Beethoven? Here's a list of the top 10 recordings to help start your collection...
- Symphony No 9, 'Choral'
- Piano Concerto No 5, 'Emperor'
- Late String Quartets
- Piano Sonatas
- Symphony No 5
- Fidelio
- Violin Concerto
- Symphony No 3, 'Eroica'
- Missa Solemnis
- Piano Concerto No 4
Building your Collection
Select a musical category below to explore the finest Beethoven recordings available.
Orchestral Chamber Instrumental Vocal Opera
Piano Concertos Cpte String Quartets Piano Sonatas Songs Fidelio
Piano Concerto No 1 Piano Trios Diabelli Variations Mass in C
Piano Concerto No 2 Cello Sonatas Missa Solemnis
Piano Concerto No 3 Violin Sonatas
More Gramophone Composer Guides
Bach ● Brahms ● Britten ● Bruckner ● Debussy ● Elgar ● Handel ● Mahler ● Mozart ● Poulenc ● Rachmaninov ● Saint-Saëns ● Stravinsky ● Tchaikovsky ● Verdi ● Wagner
