Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony serve up a sumptuous live recording of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3, with acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax, and the rarely performed Mass in C Major, with the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus.

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 and Mass in C Major are two of the works that helped cement the composer's reputation as a creative genius like none other. Internationally acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax joins Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony in a dynamic rendition of Beethoven's robust Third Piano Concerto. Then, MTT leads the Grammy Award-winning SF Symphony Chorus and soloists in the rarely performed Mass in C Major.

Critical acclaim for Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony:

"Uncommonly thoughtful, urbane and dignified...enviable sweep and long-term control that pay handsome dividends...impressively lucid and outstandingly eloquent...sound and balance throughout are beyond reproach." - Gramophone (on Tchaikovksy Symphony No. 5, Romeo & Juliet)

"Profound and beautiful...a heartfelt and graceful performance." - The Times, (on Beethoven Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II, Symphony No. 2)

Personnel: Joélle Harvey (soprano), Kelley O'Connor (mezzo-soprano), William Burden (tenor), Shenyang (bass-baritone), Emanuel Ax (piano), San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Ragnar Bohlin (director), San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor)