I wholeheartedly concur with Ms. Blue. I have several of Murray Perahia's albums. He is a consumate artist. Few artists are so adept at whatever they play. Whether Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Schumann, or Mendelssohn, Mr. Perahia breathes a spectacular ,individual life into each one. And this "Emperor" is glorious. I must have six recordings of the Emperor, none of which satisfy me. When Murray popped up on my itunes I quickly downloaded it without hesitation. And the orchestra is a perfect match. The first movement is bold and majestic; the second movement's tenderness and delicacy are matched only by the caresses of a beloved; the third movement highly spirited and energetic. This is a performance worthy of an "Emperor"!

Murray Perahia it seems is a consumate artist no matter what he plays and this early album is a delight to the senses. If you enjoy Beethoven, especially his Concerto No. 5, you'll want to treat yourself to this early recording by Perahia. This piece is one of my absolute favorite classical pieces because of the emotions it tends to invoke in either listening or playing. Perahia's playing is superb and elegant and a joy to listen to over and over. He doesn't so much as just play the music well but rather caresses each note with a feeling and skill that few seem to replicate. You can't have too many Perahis albums; he's one of the great artists of our time. I recommend this album highly.