My recommendation for this period is a personal favourite, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy (Chorfantasie) for piano, chorus and orchestra in C minor. Op. 80. This must rank as one of the most stirring pieces of music that is so typical of the grand master, Beethoven.

Surely one of the most remarkable concerts of Beethoven’s career took place on December 22nd, 1808. It was a benefit concert, performed in the Theater an der Wien (Vienna) featuring the premieres of Beethoven’s Fifth and Sixth symphonies as well as a portion of the C major Mass. To conclude this memorable concert programme, Beethoven chose a brilliant Finale, his Choral Fantasy, the great man played the piano piece – what a memory this must have been for all present.

This composition was written just prior to the above-mentioned concert and was expressly composed to fulfil this role. I must say that when playing this for my own guests, I also choose the piece to conclude the evening and most will shake their heads and say, “Wow, top that”! There are stark similarities between the choral parts of both the Fantasy and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. Listen out in the former for “Lieb und Kraft” (love and strength) and compare with some choral sentiments from the 9th Symphony. The Fantasy opens with a slow but virtuosic 26-bar piano introduction and when choosing a version on CD I am very fussy about this opening introduction. The finale includes the solo piano introducing the choral theme and this is then followed by variations on the theme played by the flutes, clarinets and string soloists – a highly demanding part which is beautifully captured on DVD. The chorus enters with the sopranos and altos singing the main theme followed by the tenors and bases. The high point approaches as the entire chorus is joined by the orchestra in a tutti rendition. A presto coda with orchestra, chorus and piano brings the piece to a close and, if like me you have a passion for the music of Beethoven, you will feel moved to the very “core”.

This famous piece is generally coupled with another delightful composition, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto (Tripelkonzert). As far as recommendations are concerned, I would suggest any of the following:

Triple Concerto/Choral Fantasia (Kegel, Dresdner PO, Rosel) by Beethoven, Capriccio Label – £13.78 from www.amazon.co.uk

Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Choral Fantasia by Itzhak Perlman, Daniel Barenboim, Yo Yo Ma, Berlin Philarmoniker, EMI Label – £8.99 from www.amazon.co.uk

The EMI version is also available on DVD and is a splendid choice at £22.49 from Amazon

As an appetiser, I would have a look at the performance on You Tube with Lang Lang at the piano and Seiji Ozawa conducting – wonderful!