Mozart: Piano Concertos 9 & 17 [Enhanced]

On this CD:

1. Piano Concerto No. 9 in E flat major ("Jeunehomme") K. 271
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra with Eric Davoust
Conducted by Georg Mais

2. Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 453
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra with Eric Davoust
Conducted by Georg Mais

Mozart: Piano Concertos 9 & 17, Music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Georg Mais, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Eric Davoust, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Music, Concerto, Piano Concerto

Average customer rating:

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 Alfred Brendel

Marvelous Mozart

Artistic Genius

Almost Perfect

Penguin Guide "Recommended Recording"

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 1

Mozart: Violin Concertos

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35-41

Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque

Mozart: Symphony Nos.25, 26, 27, 29 & 32

ASIN: B0000041AB
Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.9 In Flat, KV 271 (Jeunehomme): 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.9 In Flat, KV 271 (Jeunehomme): 2. Andantino
Piano Concerto No.9 In Flat, KV 271 (Jeunehomme): 3. Rondeau. Presto
Piano Concerto No.25 In C, KV 503: 1. Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No.25 In C, KV 503: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No.25 In C, KV 503: 3. Allegretto
Piano Concerto No.22 In E Flat, KV 482: 1. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: Allegro - Andante cantabile - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 2. (Andante)
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 3. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 2. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 Alfred Brendel.......2006-07-10

Nice interpretation of Mozart's piano concerto.

Marvelous Mozart.......2006-06-29

Alfred Brendel's place as an interpreter of the Viennese Classic repertory is by now unassailable, and his recordings of the Mozart Piano Concertos are a prime example of his art. His lean, focused sound can strike a listener as insufficiently sensuous in Romantic repertory, but against the backdrop of an orchestra, it seems a perfect modern equivalent of the eighteenth-century fortepiano, so much so that I don't really miss having an "authentic" instrument. Besides, discarding recordings such as these on the basis of inauthenticity would deny all listeners the chance to experience Brendel's practically infallible sense of style and taste.

Perhaps the real surprise in this collection of five concertos is that Brendel is at his most relaxed and insightful in the E-flat major Concerto, K. 482, which in most critical canons occupies a slightly lower place than the works which come before and after it. Mozart's warm-hearted and colorfully orchestrated (clarinets instead of the usual oboes) piece brings out an equivalent and unexpected playfulness of dynamic and rhythm in the pianist's irresistible reading, with profuse but always appropriate ornamentation in the rondo, and intriguing, stylish original cadenzas for the first and last movements. Incidentally, the same virtues hold for all of Brendel's emendations to Mozart's original notes in these pieces; in this he is decidely superior to Ashkenazy in his Mozart concerto recordings. (The one drawback of this entire set is that the inclusion of five concertos necessitates splitting K. 482 between the first and second CDs.)

It is only by these exalted standards that the performances of K. 271, the dashing "Jeunehomme," pushing the boundaries of standard concerto form with its unexpected piano interjections at the outset, and the Olympian K. 503 come off as slightly stiffer and less attuned to the finest nuance; however, the latter performance was recorded live and astonishes with its digital clarity, the concluding roar of applause being amply justified.

Brendel's collaborators, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields with Neville Marriner, supply exemplary accompaniments, notwithstanding some slight inaccuracies in the live K. 503 and, more surprisingly, K. 595. One hopes these recordings will be available for a long time to come.

Artistic Genius.......2006-05-31

Mozart is rightly hailed as a musical genius. Some say he was the best that ever was. I personally prefer Bach and baroque organ fugues but this CD is a good argument for the Mozart partisans.

In the first place, the compositions are excellent. Mozart was a genius and it shows. In the second place, the performances preserved here are exquisite. The recordings are clear and vibrant.

It is a first class album all around.

Almost Perfect.......2006-02-19

If you love Mozart you will really enjoy this CD. In my opinion Sir Neville Marriner & the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields performs Mozart better than any other. The only problem I have with this CD is some tracks on the first CD are recorded live. I have never been a big fan of live recordings. An occasional cough is heard on track 4 which makes me cringe. If only they passed out cough drops that evening I would have awarded this CD five stars. Otherwise the music is simply sublime. Robitussin anyone?

Penguin Guide "Recommended Recording".......2006-01-22

With his 27 piano concertos, Mozart developed the form to a new level of artistry and claimed dominion of the new musical genre. The first seven concertos resulted from early composition exercises from his father converting Baroque sonatas to concerto form (most not-so-special). The first truly-original piano concerto No. 5 was composed at age 17 and No.'s 14-27 are all considered mature and monumental with anything in the 20's truly magnificant. Even works as early as No. 9 "Jeunehomme" (composed for a female French student, Mlle. Jeunehomme, perhaps a love interest) reveal an uncharacteristic maturity, depth of beauty and perfection of form for such a young composer. While most of the 27 concertos are sunny and galante, the two minor-key concertos (No. 20 & 24 on Volume I) reveal Mozart's evolution into more personal, dramatic expression - foreshadowing the Romantic era ushered in part by Beethoven. However, by the late 1780's, the fickle Vieneese who were "so done" with his music, leading to Mozart's demise. Late in Mozart's life there appeared to be a "new phase" of introspection and simplicity as seen in the poignant last Concerto #27 (along with his last chamber works). But this was sadly cut short by his early death in 1791.

These readings by Brendel and Marriner are alive with enthusiasm, warmth, and the typical Brendel precision. The balance of the piano and orchestra is perfect and allow the drama to unfold unhindered. Along with Murray Perahia's and Andras Schiff's complete cycles, Brendel's performances of Mozart's piano concertos are considered - on the whole - to be at the top of the list overall. Highlights in Vol. II here must certainly be the simple beauty and chamber-like feel of Concerto No. 9 "Jeunehomme," the sparkling No. 22 (K.482) and the poignant "swansong" concerto, No. 27 (K. 595). Where volume II features these two more subdued concertos of immense tenderness (no timpani or trumpets), Volume I contains the powerfully emotive, crowd-pleasing D-minor and C-minor concertos No. 20, 24 - along with the famous and bubbly C-major concerto. Both volumes are essential listening, but that much might guide your first purchase if you can only get one set.

The six works on these two CD's (along with those of the sister set) are among the most skillfully composed, musically appealing and rightfully popular of Mozart's 27 piano concertos (hence the term, "Great Concertos"). Both sets received the highest Penguin Guide rating (Rosette) and are an official "Recommended Recording." Nice compliment. Additionally, Gramophone says "this set can be recommended without any reservations." The value and sound quality/balance are excellent (as with most all Philips DUO label CD's).

For those who like the sound of a Mozart-era fortepiano and more "period performances," there is a splendid 9-CD "complete" set of Mozart's piano concertos (no.'s 5-27) by Malcolm Bilson and the English Baroque Soloists w/ Sir John Gardiner conducting that is both top-notch music and a super value on DG. Also, if you are building a Mozart collection, many of these Philips' DUO sets are excellent choices and in the top-tier of quality: Great Serenades (Marriner), Piano Quartets (Beaux Arts Trio), Piano Trios (Beaux Art Trio), Violin concertos (Grumiaux), Violin Sonatas (Szeryng/Haebler), and Complete Quintets I, II (Grumiaux et al).

Average customer rating:

Sound quality poor
Warmth and humour of Mozart
A genius in his invaluable youth!
Barenboim
Great performances of inspired music

Mozart: The Complete Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations
Mozart: Chamber Music
Mozart: 51 Symphonies
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B00000C2KO
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Major, K 37: I. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Major, K 37: II. Andante - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Major, K 37: III. Rondo - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, K 39: I. Allegro spiritoso - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, K 39: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, K 39: III. Molto allegro
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Major, K 40: I. Allegro maestoso - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Major, K 40: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Major, K 40: III. Presto
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, K41: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, K41: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, K41: III. Molto allegro - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 5 In D Major, K 175: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 5 In D Major, K 175: II. Andante ma un poco adagio - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 5 In D Major, K 175: III. Allegro - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 6 In B Flat Major, K 238: I. Allegro aperto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 6 In B Flat Major, K 238: II. Andante un poco adagio - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 6 In B Flat Major, K 238: III. Rondeau (Allegro) - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 8 In C Major, K 246 'Lutzow': I. Allegro aperto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 8 In C Major, K 246 'Lutzow': II. Andante - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 8 In C Major, K 246 'Lutzow': III. Rondeau- Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, K 271: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, K 271: II. Andantino - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, K 271: III. Rondeau: Presto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 25 In C Major, K 503: I. Allegro meastoso - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 25 In C Major, K 503: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 25 In C Major, K 503: I. Allegretto
Concert Rondo For Piano And Orchestra No. 1 In D Major, K 382

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 11 in F Major, K 413: I. Allegretto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 11 in F Major, K 413: II. Largetto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 11 in F Major, K 413: III. Tempo di Menuetto
Piano Concerto No. 12 In A Major, K 414: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 12 In A Major, K 414: II. Andante - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 12 In A Major, K 414: III. Allegretto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 13 In C Major, K 415: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 13 In C Major, K 415: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 13 In C Major, K 415: III. Allegro - Adagio - Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concert No. 14 In E Flat Major, K 449: I. Allegro vivace - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concert No. 14 In E Flat Major, K 449: II. Andantino
Piano Concert No. 14 In E Flat Major, K 449: III. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat Major, K 450: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat Major, K 450: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat Major, K 450: III. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 16 In D Major, K 451: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 16 In D Major, K 451: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 16 In D Major, K 451: III. Allegro di molto - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 17 In G Major, K453: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart, arr. Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 17 In G Major, K453: II. Andante - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 17 In G Major, K453: III. Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major, K 537 'Coronation': I. Allegro - Cadenza (Wanda Landowska) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major, K 537 'Coronation': II. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major, K 537 'Coronation': III. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 18 In B Flat Major, K 456: I. Allegro vivace - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 18 In B Flat Major, K 456: II. Andante un poco sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 18 In B Flat Major, K 456: III. Allegro vivace - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 19 In F Major, K 459: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 19 In F Major, K 459: II. Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 19 In F Major, K 459: III. Allegro assai - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, K 466: I. Allegro - Cadenza - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, K 466: II. Romanze
Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, K 466: III. Rondeau: Allegro assai - Cadenza - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K 491: I. Allegro spiritoso - Cadenza - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K 491: II. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K 491: III. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, K 467: I. Allegro maestoso - Cadenza - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, K 467: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, K 467: III. Allegro vivace assai - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat Major, K 595: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat Major, K 595: II. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat Major, K 595: III. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat Major, K 482: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Barenboim) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat Major, K 482: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat Major, K 482: III. Rondo: Allegro - Cadenza (Edwin Fischer) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major, K 488: I. Allegro - Cadenza (Mozart) - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major, K 488: II. Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major, K 488: III. Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

Sound quality poor.......2006-04-26

The sound quality is poor and the balance no good.

Disappointing from a major company such as EMI and major performer such as Barenboim.

Their similar set of Beethoven sonatas with Barenboim (70s) is much more acceptable.

Warmth and humour of Mozart.......2006-03-23

We bought this as a gift for a friend, as we already own it, and think it is the best thing in our CD library. Barenboim brings out the humour and the warmth in the concertos without being over-romantic, and brings emotional richness to his performance - in great contrast to the rather mechanical and cold renditions by other performers who are supposed to be Mozartian 'experts'. We think Amadeus would approve whole-heartedly of these performances.

A genius in his invaluable youth!.......2005-03-30

When Daniel Barenboim decided to face the huge challenge of playing the Complete Set of Piano Concerts he was making (without knowing at this moment)one of his multiple artistic triumphs.
The first impressive detail to remark is the convincent maturity and silent self discipline self impossed by himself. But the genius of Barenboim's playing is the absolute conviction he always sounds so natural. And hardly you will find the minimum sensation of effort as you just can feel it with Brendel for instance.
I still have these recordings in vynil format and from time to time I compare both formats. Go for these records and you will not only enjoy to Mozart's genius but the grandness of a real Keyboard Giant in his twenties.
After the wise decision to perform and conduct the orchestra from the piano, the interpretations acquired a major enrichment and enlightment, and somehow these recordings constitute the previous step for that decision.
To make a major disection of Concert by Concert would be extremely interseting but it would be equally long. There are some higlights performances and in my opinion these are: The 24th, 23th, 19th,12th, 25th, 14th, 15th and the first six.
In honor to the truth there are unbeatable major versions in other performances.
The 9th I find to Geza Anda, the 18 th Andras Schiff, 20th Myra Hess with Walter in last fifties, 21 th Casadesus and Munch in the last forties not available in CD format, 22th Fisher and Serkin, 26 th Gulda Harnoncourt, 27th Haskill and Curzon.
Absolutely recommended for every real Mozart's admirer.

Barenboim.......2005-03-17

Daniel Barenboim is one of the best pianists around. He DOES NOT play Mozart too Beethoven-like. I love these recordings, and as a pianist myself, I know that Barenboim delivers very good performances of these beautiful pieces. This set is also probably just as good as the $150 Marriner/Brendel set, and at a fraction of the price. The sound quality is very good. HIGHLY recommended.

Great performances of inspired music.......2004-11-06

This set is beautifully performed and is also priced competitively. I am very satisfied with my purchase, though I'm sorry it doesn't include the concertos for 2 and 3 pianos.

Barenboim's own cadenzas are enjoyable. I don't notice any lack of maturity in the playing, but this may be my inexperience!

Some prefer Ashkenazy, but it is quite a bit more expensive [though it does include those works just mentioned].

I am confident most readers will be very happy with this set.

Highly recommended

Mozart: Piano Concertos nos. 271, 453, and 466 / Davies, Jarrett

Average customer rating:

Amazing, as always
FANTASTIC!
Breathtaking
Cool, clean Mozart

Mozart: Piano Concertos nos. 271, 453, and 466 / Davies, Jarrett

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Handel: Suites for Keyboard
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes & Fugues op. 87 / Jarrett
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1 / Keith Jarrett
Bach: Goldberg Variations / Keith Jarrett
The Carnegie Hall Concert

ASIN: B00000K2WP
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 20 In D Minor K.466: Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 20 In D Minor K.466: Romance
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 20 In D Minor K.466: Allegro assai
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 17 In G Major K.453: Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 17 In G Major K.453: Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 17 In G Major K.453: Alegretto - Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 9 In E-flat Major K.271: Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 9 In E-flat Major K.271: Andantino
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 9 In E-flat Major K.271: Rondeau: Presto
Adagio And Fugue In C Minor K.546 For String Orchestra

Amazon.com

For many, Keith Jarrett is still best known for his jazz forays: extended yet gorgeous improvisations at the keyboard that literally hypnotize listeners (and helped fund ECM, still the artist's label of choice). So, it would be easy to expect Jarrett to deliver a seat-of-your-pants, highly improvised interpretation of these three Mozart piano concertos. You'd be wrong, however. Jarrett's performance on these works is deft and delicate. Meanwhile, Dennis Russell Davies and the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester can be heard loud and clear (and in fine form, it should be noted), never overpowered by the pianist; instead, a perfect balance is struck between orchestra and soloist. More than anything, what surfaces from this double-CD is Mozart's great music: the finale of No. 17 is delightful; throughout the D-minor concerto, we hear the role of the woodwinds in astounding detail. The added bonus of Mozart's solemn Adagio and Fugue in C Minor makes for a gorgeous, though slightly restrained, finale. Yes, Jarrett is the star here, but the real kudos go out to ECM, for capturing such a well-balanced, beautiful recording of these works. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, as always.......2004-07-24

Keith Jarrett is a tremendously impressive artist. He switches gears between jazz and classical, between solo and orchestral work, in a seemingly effortless manner. One would never assume that the pianist on this recording is a renowned jazzman, but so he is. This recording features some of my favorite Mozart concertos and it will NOT disappoint.

FANTASTIC!.......2002-06-29

I have finally found the Mozart piano concerto recordings I have been looking for. After trying out some of the most popular and best reviewed interpretations (Brendel, Uchida, etc.), I decided to take a chance on this one. What a pleasant surprise! Perfectly played by the soloist and orchestra, brilliantly recorded as well. Some of the older versions of Mozart's concertos are still my favorites (Casadesus, Serkin), but if you are looking for the best versions in modern sound, you can't go wrong with Keith Jarrett. He also recorded a previous cd, with concertos #21, 23 and 27. Although you can't find it in the U.S., it is available through mail order from Europe. I highly recommend that one as well. For those of you on a tight budget, Jeno Jando made an excellent recording of all the piano concertos in the late 80's on Naxos. At a budget price, it is a good introduction for those who haven't experience the joys of listening to W. A. Mozart.

Breathtaking.......2000-11-08

This recording is positively sublime. I believe W.A. Mozart would have been proud to hear Keith Jarrett play his compositions.The first time I heard it I almost wept. Truly brilliant! Highly, highly recommended.A feast for the ears.

Cool, clean Mozart.......2000-02-16

Jarrett's first Mozart album got me started in Mozart Piano Concerti. His clean, straight-forward style is refreshing and lets me go right to the music seemingly without interpretation. And yet, underneath I feel the intense drive of his solo albums, all that passion contained and focused.

Average customer rating:

Dated
My favorite Mozart Piano concerts
Luminous...
Remarkable performances!
Still among the best Mozart piano concerto cycles

Mozart: The Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: 46 Symphonies - Berlin Philharmonic / Karl Böhm
Mozart: The Piano Concertos
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B00004YZ36
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Con No.6 in B flat, K.238: 1. Allegro Aperto
Con No.6 in B flat, K.238: 2. (Andante Un Poco Adagio)
Con No.6 in B flat, K.238: 3. Rondeau: Allegro
Con No.8 in C, K.246: 1. Allegro Aperto
Con No.8 in C, K.246: 2. Andante
Con No.8 in C, K.246: 3. Rondeau: Tempo Di Menutto
Con No.9 in E flat, K.271: 1. Allegro
Con No.9 in E flat, K.271: 2. Andantino
Con No.9 in E flat, K.271: 3. Rondeau: Presto - Menuetto: Cantabile - Tempo Primo

Tracks:

Con No.11 in F, K.413: 1. Allegro
Con No.11 in F, K.413: 2. Larghetto
Con No.11 in F, K.413: 3. Tempo Di Menuetto
Con No.12 in A, K.414: 1. Allegro
Con No.12 in A, K.414: 2. Andante
Con No.12 in A, K.414: 3. Allegretto
Con No.14 in E flat, K.449: 1. Allegro Vivace
Con No.14 in E flat, K.449: 2. Andantino
Con No.14 in E flat, K.449: 3. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Con No.2 in B flat, K.39: 1. Allegro Spiritoso
Con No.2 in B flat, K.39: 2. Andante
Con No.2 in B flat, K.39: 3. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

Con No.13 in C, K.415: 1. Allegro
Con No.13 in C, K.415: 2. Andante
Con No.13 in C, K.415: 3. Allegro
Con No.15 in B flat, K.450: 1. Allegro
Con No.15 in B flat, K.450: 2. (Andante)
Con No.15 in B flat, K.450: 3. Allegro
Con No.17 in G, K.453: 1. Allegro
Con No.17 in G, K.453: 2. Andante
Con No.17 in G, K.453: 3. Allegretto

Tracks:

Con No.16 in D, K.451: 1. Allegro
Con No.16 in D, K.451: 2. (Andante)
Con No.16 in D, K.451: 3. Allegro Di Molto
Con No.18 in B flat, K.456: 1. Allegro Vivace
Con No.18 in B flat, K.456: 2. Andante Un Poco Sostenuto
Con No.18 in B flat, K.456: 3. Allegro Vivace
Con No.19 in F, K.459 'Coronation': 1. Allegro Vivace
Con No.19 in F, K.459 'Coronation': 2. Allegretto
Con No.19 in F, K.459 'Coronation': 3. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

Con No.20 in d, K.466: 1. Allegro
Con No.20 in d, K.466: 2. Romance
Con No.20 in d, K.466: 3. (Allegro Assai)
Con No.21 in C, K.467: 1. Allegro
Con No.21 in C, K.467: 2. Andante
Con No.21 in C, K.467: 3. Allegro Vivace Assai
Con No.1 in F, K.37: 1. Allegro
Con No.1 in F, K.37: 2. Andante
Con No.1 in F, K.37: 3. (Allegro)

Tracks:

Con No.22 in E flat, K.482: 1. Allegro
Con No.22 in E flat, K.482: 2. Andante
Con No.22 in E flat, K.482: 3. Allegro
Con No.23 in A, K.488: 1. Allegro
Con No.23 in A, K.488: 2. Adagio
Con No.23 in A, K.488: 3. Allegro Assai
Con No.3 in D, K.40: 1. Allegro Maestoso
Con No.3 in D, K.40: 2. Andante
Con No.3 in D, K.40: 3. Presto

Tracks:

Con No.24 in c, K.491: 1. Allegro
Con No.24 in c, K.491: 2. Larghetto
Con No.24 in c, K.491: 3. (Allegretto)
Con No.25 in C, K.503: 1. Allegro Maestoso
Con No.25 in C, K.503: 2. Andante
Con No.25 in C, K.503: 3. (Allegretto)
Con No.5 in D, K.175: 1. Allegro
Con No.5 in D, K.175: 2. Andante, Ma Un Poco Adagio
Con No.5 in D, K.175: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Con No.26 in D, K.537 'Coronation': 1. Allegro
Con No.26 in D, K.537 'Coronation': 2. (Larghetto)
Con No.26 in D, K.537 'Coronation': 3. (Allegretto)
Con No.27 in B flat, K.595: 1. Allegro
Con No.27 in B flat, K.595: 2. Larghetto
Con No.27 in B flat, K.595: 3. Allegro
Con No.4 in G, K.41: 1. Allegro
Con No.4 in G, K.41: 2. Andante
Con No.4 in G, K.41: 3. Molto Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Dated.......2007-05-31

In its time, this cycle of concertos was state-of-the art.

Even today, some of the performances hold up fairly well. But overall, the sound and performance are quite dated.

The orchestral playing in this set was never the greatest, too-often a bit ragged, and intonation in the strings is occasionally hit-and-miss. The winds were quite good for the time, being a bunch of big-time soloists of that era (including people like flutist Aurele Nicolet)...but even they sound a little out at times.

Anda's playing was reasonably stylish for the time. Certainly better than that of many pianists who came later. But given the evolution of Mozart-style in the last 40 years, his playing now sounds a little too plain-jane. Nothing wrong with just playing the music, but Anda is a bit too uninflected to be interesting. And, like nearly every other pianist who should know better, he plays the inferior publisher's solo part for #26...an unforgiveable act even then.

Still, all-in-all, hard to beat for the money, and an adequate introduction to some of Mozart's greatest music, but only adequate. Barely. Anda is eclipsed almost completely by Bilson and Gardiner. By Immerseel and Anima Aeterna, and would have been totally eclipsed by Levin and Hogwood, had they completed that much-lamented incomplete cycle.

Barenboim, Ashkenazy, Uchida and Perahia are all tastelessly un-stylish. To my ears, those recordings are just about unlistenable, in their day, and now. Anda beats these handily. But they are not the standard these days. They never were.

For the record, Andreas Staier and Concerto Koln are the new standard in this repertoire..it is truly tragic that Staier has not recorded any more Mozart concertos, beyond the four he did some seven years ago now.

Too bad Ivan Moravec never recorded all the Mozart concertos. That would have been something to hear. The ones he did record are right at the top of the heap, for sure.

I'd probably go with Brendel if you want a complete cycle with modern piano. Hard to beat Brendel in anything, although the ASMIF is a mediocre band at best, and you can only wish Brendel had recorded with someone else.

In short, finding top-flight Mozart piano concerto recordings, even now, with the enormous number of them out there, is still a hit/miss proposition. And finding a complete cycle on modern piano that really *gets* Mozartean style, is damned near impossible. That would be a real milestone in recording history: a cycle of Mozart piano concertos, with modern instruments, that truly delivers stylistically, and the pianist plays with the kind of freedom Mozart would have, not following the score so slavishly as nearly all recordings do, including, especially, Anda, who should have known better.

No-one's done it yet. But, maybe someone will, someday.

My favorite Mozart Piano concerts.......2007-01-11

The delivery time from Amazone was shorter than I expected.
And I have been very satisfied with the CDs.

Thanks.

Luminous... .......2006-09-27

This is an outstanding set of music, of any variety/vintage. The interpretations of all the concerti are luminous and iridescent. They bring to mind Liszt's observation about Mozart being "music's genius of light and love". I prefer them, without reservation, to the Perahia set which I also possess. All the concerti are lively and with such splendid insights, that it would appear that one is hearing several of the movements for the first time.
I heard them sequentially from #1 to #27, and cannot find words to do justice to the last concerto, which is one of my favorites. Rather than merely being slower than normal, or melancholy, it is so suspended between the earth and the sky, that one feels lifted into some alternate sphere of existence. The outcome of this magic is that when the 6/8 time of the finale is first heard, one is left gasping for air. This is the finest and most satisfying interpretation of #27 I have ever heard. My only complaint is with #24, in that it does not aspire to the symphonic reaches it attains with Wilhelm Kempff at the pianoforte, but then that I hold true for every other interpretation of that concerto as well.
All in all, a genuinely beautiful and lovely set for anyone who loves the Mozart piano concerti and hears them as frequently as do I. Recommended without reservation!

Remarkable performances!.......2006-01-02

Geza Anda possesed an unique and enviable (in the best sense of the word)rapport with Mozart. There are versions that must be underlined among the most pyramidal ever done. His First, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, 12th,the 15th, the 19th,23th and 27th justify by far its acquisition.

Geza Anda received an invaluable influence of thwo superb musicians; the unforgettable Clara Haskil and the hyper talented Hungarian conductor, Ferenc Fricsay.

Playing and conducting from the Piano he played regularly in Salzburg Festivals, being his sound pristine and crystalline. His excellent approach and above all, his formidable pianism, conform one of the most indispensable sets of these Piano Concertos.

Specially recomended in this special year 2006 in which all of us will commemorate the 250th anniversary of this sublime composer.

Still among the best Mozart piano concerto cycles.......2004-12-06

During his lifetime Geza Anda was acknowledged as among the foremost interpreters of Mozart's piano scores, perfoming annually at the Salzburg Festival towards the end of his life. His Mozart piano concerto cycle was the first to be recorded almost in its entirety by one soloist and orchestra. It was also the first to have the orchestra under the soloist's direction. Recorded over the span of several years, these performances still sound quite vividly clear and crisp. The sound quality on these recordings is absolutely first rate. Credit is due to Deutsche Grammophon's recording engineers; these are some of the label's best recordings from the 1960's. As a soloist, Anda gives introspective, yet passionate, readings of Mozart's scores which lack the exuberance of Daniel Barenboim's performances with the English Chamber Orchestra, but are as polished as Alfred Brendel's with the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner's direction. Most noteworthy are his performances of the 14th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 26th and 27th concerti, but the others sound fine too. Fans of Mozart's piano concerti will not be disappointed with this inexpensive CD set, which still holds its own against its more recent, better recorded competition from the likes of Perahia and Uchida, to name but a few.

Average customer rating:

Just right with a flourish
Music 5 Stars/Ashkenazy 3 Stars
A marriage made in heaven
Simply the best set of Mozart Piano Concertos
THE PINNACLE OF WESTERN MUSIC . . .

Mozart: The Piano Concertos
Vladimir Ashkenazy , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Istvan Kertesz , English Chamber Orchestra , London Symphony Orchestra , Philharmonia Orchestra of London , Daniel Barenboim , and Fou Ts'ong
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: The Piano Works
Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas
Liszt: Piano Works
Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert
Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000041KA
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 5 In D Major, K175: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 5 In D Major, K175: II Andante ma un poco adagio
Piano Concerto No. 5 In D Major, K175: III Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 6 In B Flat Major, K238: I Allegro aperto
Piano Concerto No. 6 In B Flat Major, K238: II (Andante un poco adagio)
Piano Concerto No. 6 In B Flat Major, K238: III Rondeau: Allegro
Concerto For Three Painos In F Major, K242: I Allegro
Concerto For Three Painos In F Major, K242: II Adagio
Concerto For Three Painos In F Major, K242: III Rondeau: Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 8 In C Major, K246: I Allegro aperto
Piano Concerto No. 8 In C Major, K246: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 8 In C Major, K246: III Rondeau: Tempo di menuetto
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, K271 'Jeunehomme': I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, K271 'Jeunehomme': II Andantino
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, K271 'Jeunehomme': III Rondeau: Presto - Menuetto - Presto
Piano Concerto No. 1In F Major, K37: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 1In F Major, K37: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 1In F Major, K37: III (Allegro)

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 11 In F Major, K413-387a: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 11 In F Major, K413-387a: II Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 11 In F Major, K413-387a: III Tempo di menuetto
Piano Concerto No. 12 In A Major, K414-385p: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 12 In A Major, K414-385p: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 12 In A Major, K414-385p: III Allegretto
Concerto For Two Pianos In E Flat Major, K365-316a: I Allegro
Concerto For Two Pianos In E Flat Major, K365-316a: II Andante
Concerto For Two Pianos In E Flat Major, K365-316a: III Rondeau: Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 13 In C Major, K415-387b: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 13 In C Major, K415-387b: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 13 In C Major, K415-387b: III Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 14 In E Flat Major, K449: I Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 14 In E Flat Major, K449: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 14 In E Flat Major, K449: III Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat Major, K450: I Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat Major, K450: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat Major, K450: III Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 16 In D Major, K451: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 16 In D Major, K451: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 16 In D Major, K451: III Allegro di molto
Piano Concerto No. 17 In G Major, K453: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 17 In G Major, K453: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 17 In G Major, K453: III Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, K39: I Allegro spiritoso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, K39: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, K39: III Molto allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 18 In B Flat Major, K456: I Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 18 In B Flat Major, K456: II Andante un poco sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 18 In B Flat Major, K456: III Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 19 in F Major, K459: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 19 in F Major, K459: II Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 19 in F Major, K459: III Allegro assai
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Major, K40: I Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Major, K40: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Major, K40: III Presto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, K466: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, K466: II Romance
Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, K466: III Rondo: Allegro assai
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat Major, K482: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat Major, K482: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat Major, K482: III Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467: I Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467: III Allegro vivace assai
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major, K488: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major, K488: II Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major, K488: III Presto
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, K41: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, K41: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, K41: III Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K491: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K491: II Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K491: III Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 25 In C Major, K503: I Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 25 In C Major, K503: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 25 In C Major, K503: III Allegretto
Rondo In D Major, K382

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major, K537 - 'Coronation': I Allegro
II Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major, K537 - 'Coronation': III Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat Major, K595: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat Major, K595: II Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat Major, K595: III Allegro
Rondo In A Major, K386

Customer Reviews:

Just right with a flourish.......2007-01-12

Requires the least possible effort beyond the normal exertion of attention
reserved for listening to simple background pleasantries. Lovely in other words, not pretentious at all, nothing else is required anywhere on a daily basis, still I suspect that most of you wouldn't mind a change now and again.

Music 5 Stars/Ashkenazy 3 Stars.......2006-04-25

Sorry but from listening to the 1 minute clip of the final movement pc 21, I have to go with Uchida, who in my opinion is the master of Mozart's last 8 pc;s.
I do not care for uchida's recordings of the 1-19, too thick handed for the style of those concertos.
Quick, nimble, playful was not present in Uchida of the 1-19.
Ashkenazy here is too busy with conducting to get the piano down with perfect nuances, which Mozart demands.

EDIT, I've just added to more clip r4eviews , opening move 21 and opening from the 24th pc. Reconfirms my opinuion that Uchida is much better articulated. And though Tate is aweful in the syms , in the pc's he's much more on to of things concentrating in conducting. Ashkenazy is juggling both, successful at times I'll admit. At other times sloppy. Its impossible for any performer to both conduct and play paino. Impossible as this set shows.
Nice Day

A marriage made in heaven.......2004-12-24

Rarely do soloists and orchestras create such an amazing musical experience. Even more rare is that this experience is duplicated over two dozen times. Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia Orchestra create what is truly one of the crowning achievements of audiophile history.

I have owned this set now for nearly half a decade and I am still surprised by Ashkenazy's level of musicianship. Not that I have ever doubted his skill, rather, I am still amazed that this master of Rachmaninoff and the romantics approaches these pieces so perfectly. Ashkenazy plays these concertos as they should be played. His typical sense of drama is somewhat subdued, replaced with a sublime sense of delicacy and classical phrasing. He brings out the beautiful chromaticism, the magical melodies, and the pure beauty of Mozart effortlessly.

What is even more wonderful is that the orchestral accompaniment is top notch. Although these are not period performances, the Philharmonia plays with a classical grace and level of perfection that push these performances over the top. The orchestra's sound is full, accompanying Ashkenazy's "full" sound quite well. As mentioned above, Ashkenazy (who conducts these performances from the piano) instills in the orchestra the perfect balance of classical grace and dramatic flair.

Finally, the recorded sound is flawless. This set is so appealing to me because Ashkenazy approaches these performances in an organized, coherent fashion. Unlike his set of the Beethoven concertos (where Ashkenazy's technique, phrasing, and ultimate interpretation is dramatically different in each concerto), Ashkenazy maintains a sense of classical style throughout the cycle. And not only are the interpretations so consistent, but the sound is as well. It almost seems as if all the concertos were recorded in one session.

Moments like this are rare in music. There are certainly individual performances of the concertos that may be more appealing here or there, but all in all Ashkenazy's cycle delivers the most consistently fresh, powerful, and beautiful interpretations. For those that are not sure they want to invest so much for this set, look into Decca's CD of the "Big Six" concertos (20-25) on two CDs. But you would be missing out. Ashkenazy does not "run through" the earlier concertos but actually plays them all as if they were all equally masterful. I highly recommend this set. It is a wonderful musical investment.

Simply the best set of Mozart Piano Concertos.......2004-12-09

Ashkenazy's style is a very good fit with Mozart's piano works: light, articulate and playful. I could never part with this set. Those who only listen to the most popular concertos are missing out on some of the earlier works, which are just stunningly beautiful. The numerous scales in Mozart's scores represent a huge technical challenge, and Ashkenazy's natural fluidity makes the music very smooth and moving.

The orchestra is well balanced and remarkably well recorded. Overall, this is by far the best complete set of concertos out there. Warmly recommended.

THE PINNACLE OF WESTERN MUSIC . . ........2004-04-17

___________________________________________________________________________________________

. . . indeed, the pinnacle of musical achievement on Planet Earth - that's what I consider the piano concertos of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. And what better way to hear these concertos than in this superb cycle by Vladimir Ashkenazy. Though you may find an occasional performance that you prefer outside of this set, it is still, in my opinion, the only complete and best overall cycle of Mozart piano concertos - sure to provide you with hours of pleasure.

Ray Hoole's spotlight review above is very good and correct in calling attention to the recording concerns with Concerto No. 17 (K. 453) in this set. Still, only one flawed recording out of twenty-nine isn't bad. If No. 17 is a favorite of yours, as it certainly is of mine, may I suggest you augment this set with "MOZART: Piano Concertos (The Rubinstein Collection Vol. 61)" - RCA label, a small 2 CD album which contains concertos 17, 20, 21, 23 & 24. Not only is Arthur Rubinstein's 1961 performance of No. 17 superior to this one by Ashkenazy (in my opinion), the piano/orchestral balance is perfect in this beautifully remastered recording (and you're sure to like the other Rubinstein concerto performances as well).

Though the reviews for this set are overwhelmingly positive, you'll note an occasional preference for another artist's performances. This is only normal and amounts to purely subjective personal opinion. I've found that often times the first performance one hears of a particular classical piece (particularly if it's good) stays with that person for quite a while, sometimes indefinitely, and flavors the impression of all other performances heard thereafter. Personal preferences of tempo, artistic expression - such as cadenzas used, and orchestration will then be conciously, and subconciously, compared to that first exposure. I say this to make a point. The quality of the performances in this set by Vladimir Ashkenazy are definitely of the caliber needed to make first-time listeners feel certain they are hearing the best, while making more experienced listeners sure they are hearing first rate performances that, if not the absolute best, are certainly among the best they've ever heard. No two ways about it, MOZART: THE PIANO CONCERTOS by Vladimir Ashkenzy and the Philharmonia Orchestra is a 5 star cycle . . . Enjoy!

Mozart: Piano Concertos #9 & 18 - Leif Ove Andsnes
Average customer rating:

Andsnes Proves Again Why He's A Modern Master Pianist

Leif Ove Andsnes: A Musician's AND an Audience's Musician!

Reminds me of Westworld...

Please disregard the review titled "Mozart stripped of soul"

As good as it gets

Mozart: Piano Concertos #9 & 18 - Leif Ove Andsnes
Leif Ove Andsnes , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Andsnes, Leif Ove | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Schumann & Grieg: Piano Concertos; Leif Ove Andsnes

Leif Ove Andsnes ~ Haydn - Piano Sonatas

Grieg: Lyric Pieces (Performed on Grieg's Piano)

Beethoven opp. 10 & 13, Sonatas 5-8

ASIN: B0002XDOFS
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

1: Allegro
2: Andantino
3: Rondeau: Presto-Menuetto-Presto
1: Allegro Vivace
2: Andante Un Poco Sostenuto
3: Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

This record is a total delight: two irresistible Mozart concertos, one famous, one unfamiliar, played with the technical, musical and stylistic perfection that performers never cease to strive for but very rarely achieve. No. 9, written in 1777, was the first of Mozart's large-scale, truly "great" concertos. Innovative in form, it opens not with the usual orchestral exposition, but a brief interchange between soloist and orchestra that sets the stage for its conversational character. In the C minor slow movement, the piano sings a heart-breaking lament of an aria while the orchestra comments with often wrenchingly dissonant sighs. The sprightly, exuberant Finale harbors another surprise. Its middle section is a Minuet of beguiling beauty and wistful grace. No. 18, written in 1784, is basically conventional, but also full of surprises, notably in its daring modulations to distant tonalities. The slow movement in G minor is another mournful operatic aria, while the Finale is a set of increasingly ornate variations. Andsnes' playing is quite extraordinary. He follows Mozart through all his swiftly changing moods and emotions, bringing out the music's stately nobility, gracious courtliness, ironic humor, drama and tragedy without a trace of artificiality or exaggeration. He uses Mozart's own wonderfully inventive, sparkling cadenzas, which adds to the feeling of authenticity. The piano tone is light, crisp and clear, but so variable in touch, articulation and nuance that it never sounds dry. The transitions and changes of tempo and character are poised and natural, the rhythms buoyant and supple. The phrasing is impeccable and has the spontaneous flow of human speech. The orchestra plays with sparing vibrato but lots of color and expression; its tone blends with the piano's admirably, cushioning and vitalizing the solo part. One can easily imagine Mozart sitting at the keyboard in close rapport with the musicians, basking in the audiences' enjoyment and smiling with pure pleasure. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Andsnes Proves Again Why He's A Modern Master Pianist.......2006-02-28

Another recording of Mozart Piano Concertos? This is what I was thinking as I was getting ready to listen to this Leif Ove Andsnes CD which I was able to borrow from my library to "audition".

I've really enjoyed his performances in the past and have many of his wonderful recordings, but still I was wondering if it would be something worthwhile with so many other wonderful recordings of the Mozart Concertos that were already out there.

It was VERY worthwhile!

What I love about this recording is that it has the intimacy that you find on many "period" instrument recordings. At the same time Leif Ove utilizes the beauty of the modern instrument and making no apologies for it's particular expressive qualities and dynamic range. Leif Ove really does some remarkable magic with dynamics on this, for example, trills that fade into the ether.

I thoroughly enjoy and have many period instrument recordings, but I must admit that overall, as a pianist and piano teacher myself (though admittedly no where near at the level of Andsnes) I tend to still favor the modern instrument.

Though Period instrument purists will certainly disagree with me, in my opinion, many early pianos sound like an "instrument still in it's infancy" though with charm no doubt, whereas string instruments were already much more along in terms of their development at the time of Mozart and beyond. Who really knows, given the choice, what Mozart would have thought about our modern instrument. Clearly Beethoven was always pushing the limits of his piano and from all I know, embraced innovations that came in his lifetime.

Getting back to the recording at hand :)

Andsnes plays these concertos with emotion and beautiful dynamics and ornamentation. The orchestra and he really interact as one and it's as if there is an intimate conversation going on that we are able to listen to.

I can see why he felt compelled to record these concertos because obviously he had his own musical message to add to the many recordings out there and I for one look forward to hearing him do more Mozart Concertos.

One last thing I wanted to say about Andsnes. He is a pianist with amazing technique but one who I never think of as a technical pianist as his technique is always in service of his musical message.

Highly recommended!

Leif Ove Andsnes: A Musician's AND an Audience's Musician!.......2005-08-09

Though Leif Ove Andsnes has been on concert stages for some time now, he is finally reaching that estimable stature of one the now and future greats. This eloquent CD of two superb Mozart concerti (Nos. 9 and 18) will certainly contribute to his place in the ranks of fine pianists. Not only does he play with a refined sense of architecture and with utmost clarity, he is not afraid to let the singing, aria-like movements show his heart.

One other factor that makes this recital so worth owning is Andsnes' conducting the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra from the keyboard. The result is a marriage of thought and performance that makes these readings among the best available. The orchestra is utterly responsive to his interpretation and though the group is not a 'period orchestra', the sound Andsnes coaxes from them must be very close to the sound Mozart heard as he conducted them in 1777 and 1784 - less vibrato, playing a 'straight line' sound that simulates period instruments without sacrificing the warmth of modern orchestral timber. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 05

Reminds me of Westworld..........2005-08-04

Remember that old sci-fi robot movie with Yul Brynner? One of those robots apparently learned to play Mozart. I can just see Leif sitting at the piano in a big white cowboy hat, performing these works. What I can't see is Edith Eisler's review that says he plays with swiftly changing moods, bringing out the music's stately nobility, gracious courtliness, grandness, ironic humor, drama and tragedy. (She must get paid by the adjective.) Rather, I agree with one reviewer below (who, I might add, *likes* this disc), who writes, "As it stands ... it makes the perfect background music for a Sunday brunch." And how. Pass the scones.

I don't want my Mozart to be highfallutin' restaurant music. I want it to be something the soloist and the conductor and the orchestra use to express their individual views through. Mozart was the 18th century's most radical composer, though it's sometimes hard to appreciate that today. The first concerto, in E-flat, the "Jeunehomme," was his break-out piece, the work that gave him his voice, in a way his "Erioca," which interestingly is in the same key. And here it doesn't *sound* it. It does indeed sound like prettified brunch music. I don't mean the piece should be approached in the same way Beethoven's grand symphony was, with slashing sforzandoes and abrupt fortissimos--of course that's not Mozart. But this work was equally revolutionary in its own way and for its own time. How revolutionary? Just listen to any piano concert, Mozart or otherwise, before then. Heck, there are some elements in the work (the role of the piano vs. the orchestra, for example) that weren't dealt with further until Beethoven wrote his famous G Major concerto some thirty years later. I want the performance to not sound hum-drum and routine, the same way a performance of the Eroica should never sound hum-drum and routine. The orchestra's playing here is anemic. I know they're trying to be PC and "period," but the more I hear this, and the more I hear what it's doing to ensemble playing, the more I've becoming against it, having coming full circle, from disliking it to finding merits to now disliking it again. There's nothing wrong with smaller forces, clearer textures, brisker tempi and less vibrato. There *is* something wrong with using this as an excuse for flaccid, unspirited performances that don't commit to saying anything. (You want to hear some exciting period playing, fasten your seatbelt and hear Franz Bruggen's Haydn.) I don't actually have many other recordings of the Jeunehomme, but among those I've sampled, I've always found Brendel/Marriner to be superb.

The same is true with this performance of No. 18 (a "rarely-heard" concerto?? C'mon people!), which fares somewhat better here. "Correct" or not (and we can never really know when it comes to issues of phrasing and line, and even other elements of period performance are open to a lot of interpretation), there is no give-and-take in these performances, and sorry, Edith, but I'd give another eleven bucks, which is what I paid for this disc, to hear all the color, fire, drama and ironic humor that you do. Heck, I'd love to hear a little *phrasing* and shaded dynamics. Instead I hear a musician that, if I were blindfolded, I couldn't tell from a generic conservatory pianist anywhere. In a universe filled with great and diverse Mozart players in recordings from the last 70 years, Andsnes doesn't rate a blip. He even makes Murray Perahia's conducted-from-the-keyboard recordings of 20 years ago sound chock full of intelligence by comparison. Andsnes could still evolve into something, but first he'd have to develop a personality, and think a little about the music he's playing. Until then, his only competition is Yul Brynner.

Please disregard the review titled "Mozart stripped of soul".......2005-04-11

Yes, I understand that it is not advised that references to other reviews are made, but I feel I must. The reviewer who wrote that review also gave the SAME EXACT REVIEW WORD FOR WORD on more than 5 other Leif Ove Andsnes. This is spam and I personally hate it when this happens because the artists don't recieve a fair rating.

Anyways, for my review, I must say that Andsnes is definately on his path to stardom, and he truly deserves it. His tone is very rich and smooth while his technique is great. For a good interpetations of the 9th concerto and the lesser known 18th this is definately a great disc to have.

As good as it gets.......2005-03-07

I don't know what to praise here first, so I'll begin with the music. #9 is, of course, one of Mozart's best-known concertos, but #18 is rarely played in the concert hall. I cannot understand why, as it is every bit as great as the concertos that surround it, with an eloquent slow movement and wonderfully rollicking finale. I'm not familiar with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, but they are clearly one of the worl's finest ensembles, playing with extraordinary precision and zest. The recorded sound is exemplary, the balance between piano and orchestra perfect. As for Andsnes, his playing is wonderfully alert at every moment, full of brio in the lively moments and lyricism where called for (particularly in the slow movement of 18, played, to very good effect, somewhat faster than usual. I compared this recording of 18 to Perahia's with the ECO and found that Perahia played splendidly as ever, but he's much too closely recorded and the English Chamber Orchestra sounds diffuse and, frankly, clumsy. In every way, this release strikes me as exemplary. Anyone who purchases this disc is guaranteed an hour of pure pleasure.

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 21 "Elvira Madigan" & 9

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 21 "Elvira Madigan" & 9

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Brahms: Piano Concertos 1 & 2
Stephen Hough Piano Collection
Hummel: Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B00005YU9T
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.21 In C, K 467: I. Allegro Maestoso
Piano Concerto No.21 In C, K 467: II. Andante
Piano Concerto No.21 In C, K 467: III. Allegro Vivace Assai
Piano Concerto No.9 In E Flat, K 271: I. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.9 In E Flat, K 271: II. Andantino
Piano Concerto No.9 In E Flat, K 271: III. Rondo (Presto)

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9, 19, 21, 23 & 27

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9, 19, 21, 23 & 27

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Albert Roussel: Symphonies Nos. 1 "Le Poème de la forêt" & 4
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4; The Seasons ("July"-"December") [SACD ]
Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 4

ASIN: B000NPCMIU
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andantino
III. Rondeau: Presto
I. Allegro Cadenza
II. Allegretto
III. Allegro Assai Cadenzas
I. Allegro Assai Cadenzas

Tracks:

II. Andante
III. Allegro Vivace Assai Cadenza
I. Allegro Cadenza
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro Cadenza
II. Larghetto
III. Allegro Cadenza

Album Description

Specially priced 2-CD set in space-saving brilliant box with accompanying three-language booklet. Digitally remastered to the highest standards at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

Mozart: Complete Piano Concertos, Vol. 1 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Superb Performances @ Bargain Price
Naxos, like Mozart, is a rare, magical find!!
Great Set!

Mozart: Complete Piano Concertos, Vol. 1 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Piano Concertos (Complete), Vol. 2 (Box Set)
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Mozart: Violin Concertos
A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)

ASIN: B0000013IG
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Allegro
Romance
Allegro Assai
Allegro
Andante
Rondeau: Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro Maestoso
Andante
Allegro Vivace Assai
Allegro
Andante
Allegretto
Allegro Vivace
Andantino/Andante
Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro
Andantino
Rondeau: Presto
Allegro
Larghetto
Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante
Allegretto
Allegro Vivace
Andante Un Poco Sostenuto
Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante
Allegro - Andantino Cantabile - Allegro
Allegro
Larghetto
Tempo Di Menuetto

Customer Reviews:

Superb Performances @ Bargain Price.......2004-07-28

I have been buying the Naxos Mozart Piano Concertos with pianist Jeno Jando (accompanied by the Concentus Hungaricus conducted by Matyas Antal) as individual discs for some time now, and I must admit that they have all been superb in both sound and performances. I happen to own many fine performances of the Mozart Piano Concerti, but the Naxos/Jando is the one I keep returning to over and over again. If I had to live with only one set of Mozart's Piano concertos (dread the thought) it would surely be the Naxos. Grab them all and endulge in great music performed with virtuosity by both the soloist and orchestra, beautifully recorded, and at a price that won't break your wallet.

Naxos, like Mozart, is a rare, magical find!!.......2003-01-28

This set is undoubtedly one of the best values I've ever seen!!! On 5 discs, we get Mozarts late piano concertos (volume #2 contains the early works). Jeno Jando and the Concentus Hungaricus sound great in their performance (1989-1990 recordings) of these masterpieces.

Like the other reviewer, I agree that this is definitely a classical interpretation and I will go so far as to suggest that those who like a deep, romantic feel probably will find this lighter interpretation lacking. The piano is sharp, defined and aggressive in the 'regal' sense. Tempo changes are kept to a minimum and the orchestra is always crisp and defined.

What I noticed immediately about these recordings is the unbelievable compliment of the Jando/Concentus combination, not only in style, but in volume. These discs are extremely well-balanced both in sound and mood. As a consequence, most music reviews that I consulted in my decision to get this set, rated it very high and as a 'best buy' of sorts. After listening to this set many times, they obviously knew what they were talking about. In terms of price, preformance and beauty, this value is not to be missed!!!

Great Set!.......2002-07-24

See my review under Volume 2 of this set. I cannot speak highly enough about the music, as well as the performances.

Average customer rating:

Great Orchestra but bad "mix" with fortepiano
Unparalleled Performance
Man-eating piano slain
Excellent - but not perfect!
The star's the limit

Mozart: The Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert
Mozart: The Piano Concertos
Beethoven - The Symphonies / Augér, Robbin, Rolfe Johnson, Reinhart, AAM, Hogwood
Bach: Concertos
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B00002DEGZ
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In D Major, K.175: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In D Major, K.175: 2. Andante, ma un poco adagio
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In D Major, K.175: 3. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.6 In B Flat Major, K.238: 1. Allegro aperto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.6 In B Flat Major, K.238: 2. (Andante un poco adagio)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.6 In B Flat Major, K.238: 3. Rondeau: Allegro
Concerto For Three Pianos And Orchestra No.7 In F Major, K.242: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Three Pianos And Orchestra No.7 In F Major, K.242: 2. Adagio
Concerto For Three Pianos And Orchestra No.7 In F Major, K.242: 3. Rondeau: Tempo di Menuetto
Rondo In D Major, K.382: Rondeau: Allegretto grazioso - Adagio - Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.8 In C Major, K.246: 1. Allegro aperto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.8 In C Major, K.246: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.8 In C Major, K.246: 3. Rondeau: Tempo di Menuetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.9 In E Flat Major, K.271: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.9 In E Flat Major, K.271: 2. Andantino
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.9 In E Flat Major, K.271: 3. Rondeau: Presto - Menuetto: Cantabile - Tempo primo
concerto For Two Pianos And Orchestra No.10 In E Flat Major, K.365: 1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Rondeau: Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.11 In F Major, K.413: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.11 In F Major, K.413: 2. Larghetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.11 In F Major, K.413: 3. Tempo di Menuetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.12 In A Major, K.414: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.12 In A Major, K.414: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.12 In A Major, K.414: 3. Allegretto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.13 In C Major, K.415: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.13 In C Major, K.415: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.13 In C Major, K.415: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.14 In E Flat Major, K.449: 1. Allegro vivace
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.14 In E Flat Major, K.449: 2. Andantino
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.14 In E Flat Major, K.449: 3. Allegro, ma non troppo
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.15 In B Flat Major, K.450: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.15 In B Flat Major, K.450: 2. (Andante)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.15 In B Flat Major, K.450: 3. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.18 IN B Flat Major, K.456: 1. Allegro vivace
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.18 IN B Flat Major, K.456: 2. Andante un poco sostenuto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.18 IN B Flat Major, K.456: 3. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.16 In D Major, K.451: 1. Allegro assai
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.16 In D Major, K.451: 2. (Andante)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.16 In D Major, K.451: 3. Allegro di molto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.19 In F Major, K. 459: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.19 In F Major, K. 459: 2. Allegretto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.19 In F Major, K. 459: 3. Allegro assai
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.21 In C Major, K.467: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.21 In C Major, K.467: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.21 In C Major, K.467: 3. Allegro vivace assai

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.17 In G Major, K.453: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.17 In G Major, K.453: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.17 In G Major, K.453: 3. Allegretto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.20 In D Minor, K.466: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.20 In D Minor, K.466: 2. Romance
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.20 In D Minor, K.466: 3. Rondo (Allegro assai)
Rondo In A Major, K.386: Allegretto

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.22 In E Flat Major, K.482: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.22 In E Flat Major, K.482: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.22 In E Flat Major, K.482: 3. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.23 In A Major, K.488: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.23 In A Major, K.488: 1. Adagio
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.23 In A Major, K.488: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.24 In C Minor, K.491: 1. (Allegro)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.24 In C Minor, K.491: 2. Larghetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.24 In C Minor, K.491: 3. (Alegretto)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.25 In C Major, K.503: 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.25 In C Major, K.503: 2. Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.25 In C Major, K.503: 3. (Alegretto)

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.26 In D Major, K.537: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.26 In D Major, K.537: 2. Larghetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.26 In D Major, K.537: 3. (Allegretto)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.27 In B Flat Major, K.595: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.27 In B Flat Major, K.595: 2. Larghetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.27 In B Flat Major, K.595: 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Great Orchestra but bad "mix" with fortepiano.......2007-06-06

First of all the playing by all parties is impeccable. Nothing else to say about that. My only complaint, and it's a big one, is that the volume/presence of the fortepiano is WAY TOO WEAK compared to the orchestra. It is virtually impossible to listen to this in the car for when the orchestra is at a comfortable volume the fortepiano is all but muted, and if you want to hear the fortepiano then the orchestra blows the speakers out. One may argue that one should listen to these with great attention with a real stereo system, but given that that isn't always possible (I drive 2-3 hours a day, and that's when I have a chance to feed my melomania) I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the sound mix of these otherwise technically superb CDs, especially given that it wasn't cheap. :)

Unparalleled Performance.......2006-04-07

If you want to hear the sheer monumental, inexpressable genius of Mozart's music, this box set is essential. 5 stars does not even begin to describe the level of performance that Bilson, Gardiner, and the EBS set with these recordings. Truly astounding. But like one previous reviewer stated, it is pointless to write a review and even worse to rate it on a scale of one to five. You have to hear it for yourself.

Man-eating piano slain.......2006-02-24

It's not that Bilson is the world's greatest (forte-) pianist, although he's very, very good. (He's better as a performer than as a composer--he uses his own cadenzas where better ones, such as Beethoven's in #20, are commonly played.) It's not that two centuries of developing the modern piano were wasted effort, and the fortepiano sounds best after all. It's not that history trumps musicality. What makes these recordings great is that an appropriate balance between soloist and orchestra is restored.

Anyone with a sense of musical proportion, who listens carefully to recordings of piano concertos, can tell that the piano is often in the foreground when it belongs in the background, and backup from other instruments is often nearly inaudible. Of course this is especially true of the earlier concertos (Bach, Haydn, Mozart), which were scored and written based on the feeble solo instruments of the time.

Here, Archiv's restraint in miking/mixing, on top of the severe limitations of the fortepiano, greatly shifts the balance of power back towards the orchestra. This is not invariably an improvement, but most of the time it restores proper proportion to Mozart's music, with outstanding results. Often it adds drama, because instead of floating above the orchestral fray, the soloist must play very forcefully to address the competing sound of the orchestra. Perhaps the orchestra plays with a bit more conviction knowing they're not just going to be overrun by a Steinway the size of an Amtrak.

As Bilson was literally the first to admit (in the original CD notes), the fortepianos he plays cannot deliver the long legato line that pianists use to great effect in the slow movements. So there is much to be said for hearing these works on the modern piano. But Bilson and Gardiner take the bull by the horns, pick up the tempo as needed, and make the slow movements convincing on their own terms.

I got the full-priced edition years ago, and greatly enjoy going back and forth between it and modern-piano versions. Highly, though not exclusively, recommended.

Excellent - but not perfect!.......2005-10-18

These discs have to compete with giants of the pianoforte (as opposed to the fortepiano). In general they are successful - but nothing can erase some of the greatest modern performances - by Annie Fisher, Murray Parahia,Zimmerman etc.

But it is a close run thing - and to hear these works as they were originally intended is revelatory. Sir John's contribution cannot be underestimated and reveal new depths to the orchestral part.

Malcolm Bilson is first class - and reveals new delights in every concerto. But I have to wonder what other pianists might do, if they took up the challenge of the fortepiano?

So - not up to the absolute best new versions - but worth having for the balance and sound that Mozart would have heard.

In essence - a great alternative version,

The star's the limit.......2005-07-21

All the words above, below and including mine are like flys being trapped in a web. Someone asks what you think of belgian waffles and you tell them. "oh yes!" They are satisfying and fluffy. You like them with alot of maple syrup and pecans. Well that's nice. But you're dealing with creations on quite a different scale here which are really good so let's use some upgraded adjectives like "wonderful", "works of genius" and "inspiring." Well that's nice too. But, why are you sitting here watching the different colored bottles on a conveyor belt instead of leaving the factory for the feild of spring wildflowers in the open sky?

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

Recommended Music:

Why Don't You Try Me : The Best Of Ry Cooder [Import]

Joaquín Rodrigo: El Hijo Fingido

Inner Worlds [Import]

Music: California Composers: Cohn; Goldstein; Davis; Stalvey

Jazz Is the Teacher [Import]

Just the Beginning

Le Procureur

Hotel New York [Import]

Las Clasicas [Original recording remastered]

Handel: Harpsichord Suites Nos. 6-8

Jazz at Massey Hall [Import]

Happy Frame of Mind [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Grandes Exitos

High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass

Christmas Guitars