Beethoven's first two piano concertos were printed in reverse order: the second is actually his earliest work for piano and orchestra, and it sounds noticeably less mature than No. 1 (and smaller; it's scored for an orchestra without trumpets and drums). With No. 1, however, we can hear the composer confidently exploring the paths carved out by Mozart's magnificent works in the same genre, only with that extra dash of fire and energy that was soon to make Beethoven the greatest composer in the world. These bold and exciting performances are recorded on "authentic" instruments, including a gorgeous replica of a period fortepiano that really does make the music sound as good as new. --David Hurwitz