Beethoven: Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

Inon Barnatan’s second volume of Beethoven piano concertos includes a compelling performance of *Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”* with a meltingly beautiful Larghetto. But it’s the two rarities here that prove the biggest draw. Barnatan is a pianist of rare emotional restraint for whom less is more—perfect for Beethoven’s delicate arrangement for piano of his *Violin Concerto*, with its original cadenzas and striking harmonic modifications. The *Choral Fantasy* has always raised eyebrows for its quirky piano improvisation and Beethoven’s decision to leave the chorus until the final minutes. But there’s such a joyful abandon to Barnatan’s playing, bolstered by the sheer energy emanating from orchestra and choir, that the *Fantasy* reveals itself as a spontaneous work of genius.