Beethoven's two earliest piano concertos are often overlooked in favor of the Third and Fifth, but they reveal a composer working within Mozartian forms while asserting his own powerful voice. Krystian Zimerman, one of the greatest pianists of our time, performs them with the Vienna Philharmonic under their principal conductor. Zimerman's touch is both forthright and lyrical—he never sentimentalizes these works but finds their warmth and humor. The orchestra provides elegant support and gorgeous string sonorities. These performances honor the music's clarity and architecture while bringing out its emotional undercurrents. An exemplary recording whether you're a Beethoven devotee or curious about how the master began his journey.