Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 1 (CD)

Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 1 continues the acclaimed collaboration of Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos and Emanuel Ax in their Grammy-nominated Beethoven for Three series. Released on Sony Classical, this fourth volume pairs Beethoven’s First Symphony — newly arranged for piano trio by Shai Wosner — with two beloved chamber masterpieces spanning more than a decade of the composer’s career.

The youthful brilliance of Symphony No. 1 is reimagined with fresh intimacy and transparency, while the celebrated Ghost Trio brings haunting drama and expressive depth. Completing the program is the exuberant Gassenhauer Trio, whose infectious finale variations were inspired by one of Vienna’s most popular tunes. Performed by three of today’s most distinguished musicians, this release offers Beethoven on both symphonic and chamber scales with warmth, virtuosity and insight.

"There's a unanimity of purpose here that always puts the music first. That translates into real delight in Beethoven's continual invention ... Smiles all round." — BBC Music Magazine

Beethoven (arr. Wosner) Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Leonidas Kavakos violin
Emanuel Ax piano

Beethoven Piano Trio No. 5 in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 (Ghost)
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Leonidas Kavakos violin
Emanuel Ax piano

Beethoven Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 11 (Gassenhauer)
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Leonidas Kavakos violin
Emanuel Ax piano

Discs: 1
Record Label: Sony
Release Date: August 22, 2025