Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 & Piano Concerto No. 1 (Live)

Proof that music keeps you young: 82-year-old Seiji Ozawa is joined by Martha Argerich (76) for one of the most mercurial and enchanting recordings of Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto imaginable. Every bar sparkles with joy, and the dancing finale is guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts. Pure pleasure from beginning to end. The 26-strong Japanese Mito Chamber Orchestra makes a splendid sound with a few nods to period performance practice. It’s all very crisp and energized, and they give us a First Symphony with a palpable sense of wonder at the start of a great symphonic journey. Terrific.