Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, Beethoven "Emperor" - Gilels, Böhm & Czech Philharmonic (1971 Stereo) The Emperor by the king, Gilels. The best combination of Böhm & Czech Philharmonic. Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 73 "Emperor" (with rehearsals for the 2nd and 3rd movements) Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 Emil Gilels (piano) Conducted by Karl Böhm Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Recorded: August 8, 1971 (Salzburg Festival Live) A once-in-a-lifetime performance by the "Iron Man of the Piano" Gilels and the old master Böhm. From the first movement, Gilels' powerful touch and Böhm's conducting, which supports it, have a sharp rhythm and dynamics, drawing a magnificent scale. And the second movement, full of romantic poetry, is the highlight of this performance. Gilels' piano, guided by the beautiful strings of the Czech Philharmonic, envelops the listener with a divine sound that can be called heavenly music. The third movement, performed without a break, is overwhelming from the beginning with Gilels' powerful keystrokes and a dignified and imposing tempo, showing a style that can truly be called the king. Furthermore, what is noteworthy about this album is that the rehearsal scene is recorded for a full 26 minutes. Böhm, who was about to turn 77, is very energetic and gives detailed instructions in that familiar voice, such as "From the beginning again," "Don't harden the forte, make it soft," and "Where did the diminuendo go?" Gilels' piano is also without any compromise, even in the rehearsal, and is full of sublime beauty and masculine power. The coupling is Tchaikovsky's 4th, the main program of the night. Böhm's Tchaikovsky is famous for his late three major symphonies recorded with the London Symphony in the late 70s, but the performance here is surprising in its explosion of energy, which is the opposite of these. While rushing forward at a fast tempo, it maintains a solid form, and you can feel the fulfillment of energy that surpasses the Japan tour with the Vienna Philharmonic in '75. The Czech Philharmonic, which responds to Böhm's fiery performance, goes without saying that the strings are skillful, but especially here, the response of the brass instruments such as horns and trumpets is also intense. The full orchestra's forte, which rings out as if piercing the ears, is full of impact, and you can once again realize how amazing Böhm was when he was on fire.