Concertos have been written for almost every instrument, but the common ones are for piano, violin, cello and trumpet.
Anne-Sophie Mutter
Bach's violin concertos and his concerto for two violins are amongst his most popular are melodic of his works. They have sparkle and depth, but above all are fun to listen to. Read our review of this CD here.
Haken Hardenberger
The trumpet? As soloist? In classical music? Absolutely! Haydn wrote two, Hummel one and they are classical favourites. This CD set also includes a wealth of other classical trumpet music. Be amazed!
Mitsuku Uchida
Of Mozart's 25 piano concertos, no.20 and 21 are surely the most-loved. Mitsuku Uchida has made Mozart her special project and these recordings glow. See her complete set of Mozart concertos here.
Hilary Hahn
Beethoven's only concerto for violin and orchestra is powerful stuff. And like the symphonies, essential. This performance by a young Hilary Hahn is superlative.
Leonard Bernstein, Rudolf Serkin
Of Beethoven's five piano concertos, no.3 and 5 (“The Emperor”) demonstrate just what the piano can do. Virtuosity, delicacy and the most shimmeringly beautiful melodies.
George Szell
Brahms wrote 2 piano concertos, the first full of fire and youthful vigour, the second more gentle and introspective. Again worthy successors to Beethoven.
Anne-Sophie Mutter
From the first bar of the happy Mendelssohn concerto to the final tragic chords of the Brahms, these two works are the most expressive in all of music. The young Anne-Sophie Mutter plays them with sensitivity and virtuosity.
Jacquelin du Pre
The two best-loved cello concertos from surely the best-loved cellist. Read more about Jacqueline du Pre.
John Williams
Joaquin Rodrigo brought the guitar concerto back from obscurity with the heartfelt Concierto de Aranjuez and the joyful Fantasía para un gentilhombre. Read the story behind these works in our review.
