SAX 2422: Richter-Haaser's very respectable Emperor Concerto

Columbia SAX 2422
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor", Rondo in C, Op. 51, No. 1
Hans Richter-Haaser, piano
Philharmonia Orchestra

Istvan Kertesz, conductor

Pressing: UK, ER2 semi-circle

Matrix numbers: YAX 627-7, YAX 628-9

Date first published: 1961

Performance: 9/10

Sound: 7/10

Price range: $20-153 (mean $58 on popsike.com)

Comments: After Meles' recent discussion of the Beethoven piano concertos, I thought I'd reexamine one of my more enjoyable recordings of the "Emperor" concerto, in particular, the one with German pianist Hans Richter-Haaser with Istvan Kertesz conducting the Philharmonia.  There are no fewer than three recordings of the "Emperor" concerto on the Columbia SAX label: 1) Emil Gilels SAX 2252, the very first SAX I reviewed on this blog, 2) Claudio Arrau SAX 2297, and 3) this one.  I have not had the pleasure of hearing the Arrau, but you have already read my thoughts on the Gilels.  I like the Richter-Haaser a lot.  He gives what I would call a robust performance.  I love the tone he produces on the piano, which is well reproduced on record, and his technique is solid.  The piano is also well balanced with the orchestra.  My second pressing of this LP offers nice, tubey warm sound without much discernible treble roll-off.  The soundstage is deeper than wide, and I did tend to find the soundstage to be a bit on the constricted side, though it didn't significantly impair my listening experience.  You just feel like you are sitting mid-way back in the concert hall.  As an added bonus, you get a solo work, the Rondo in C, as sort of an encore.  It is a charming follow-up to the large scale concerto.  

You should be able to find this album without too much difficulty, and as you can see from the price range, it's not that high up there for a SAX.  If you can find the semi-circle second pressing for cheap, spring for it.  I think it lacks very little of what would be heard on the blue/silver pressing.