Mozart: Piano Concertos 15 & 17 / Bernstein, Columbia Symphony Orchestra

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
These recordings date from 1956, when Bernstein was a rising, meteoric talent rather than the great figure in music he eventually became. He was an excellent pianist, but what emerges most from these neat performances of two of Mozart's most fetching concertos is the force of his musical personality. The freedoms he takes (slow movements are rather slow, and some phrasings slightly excessive) seem interesting, where in less charismatic hands they might simply be annoying. The orchestra was made up of the cream of New York's freelancers at the time, and Bernstein leads masterfully from the keyboard. The remastered sound is surprisingly good. --Paul Turok

Mozart: Piano Concertos 15 & 17 / Bernstein, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leonard Bernstein, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein, Classical, Classical Music, Concerto, Orchestral & Symphonic, 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
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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:

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

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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:

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

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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

Average customer rating:

Astounding
More Very Enjoyable Concertos by Perahia

Mozart: Concertos Nos. 15 & 16

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: Concertos Nos. 17 & 18
Mozart: Piano Concerti
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Perahia Plays & Conducts Mozart

ASIN: B0000025QA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Concerto No. 15 for Piano & Orchestra in B-Flat, K. 450: I. Allegro
Concerto No. 15 for Piano & Orchestra in B-Flat, K. 450: II. Andante
Concerto No. 15 for Piano & Orchestra in B-Flat, K. 450: III. Allegro
Concerto No. 16 for Piano & Orchestra in D Major, K. 451: I. Allegro assai
Concerto No. 16 for Piano & Orchestra in D Major, K. 451: II. Andante
Concerto No. 16 for Piano & Orchestra in D Major, K. 451: III. Allegro Di Molto

Customer Reviews:

Astounding.......2006-06-03

Perahia's interpretation of the 'hunting horn' third movement of the Bb concerto (No. 15) is the closest thing to *perfect* Mozart on the piano that I've ever heard. Alive to every rhythmic nuance and shade of tone, everything sounds sponataneous and alive. His take on the first difficult cross-handed passage (which reappears later in the movement) is so personal and inevitable that it'll make your ears tingle for sheer joy. The ECO play with total commitment.

The rest of the CD is extremely fine, as is the digital recording.

More Very Enjoyable Concertos by Perahia.......2002-03-09

Mozart reached a peak of his career as a vituoso pianist between 1784 and 1786, a period which saw him writing no less than 12 Piano Concertos (Nos. 14-25). These two concertos coupled here were penned within one WEEK: K.450 bearing the date of 15 March 1784, and K.451 with the date of 22 March 1784. In a letter dated May 26 Mozart wrote to his father: "I really cannot choose between the two of them... Both...are bound to make the performer sweat." Yes, both concertos are increasingly challenging for the performer, but thoroughly delightful for the listener. And as always, Murray Perahia and the English Chamber Orchestra perform with much imagination and vitality. Starting with these two concertos, Mozart makes a distinct development in the woodwind writing. Whereas in his previous piano concertos the woodwinds were not essential elements, now they start taking on an obbligato, or essential role. And what enjoyable wind writing it is! Who could deny the wonderful wind instruments, in say, K.482 (No.22)? Both of these works are absolutely enjoyable. You will not be disappointed! In fact, I highly recommend ALL of Perahia's Mozart Concertos, available separately or in a 12-CD box, which received the coveted "Rosette" from the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs, one of the top authorities on classical CDs.

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

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

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

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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: The Piano Concertos; Rondos, K.382 & 386
Average customer rating:

Uchida versus Perahia in the Mozart concertos

The Finest Mozart Piano Concerto Cycle Ever Recorded!I

The artistic straightness!

Glad I bought this!

Mid-Price steal

Mozart: The Piano Concertos; Rondos, K.382 & 386

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Piano Sonatas K.310, 331 & 533/494

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas

Beethoven: The Five Piano Concertos

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas

Gramophone Classical Good CD & DVD Guide 2006 (Classical Good CD and DVD Guide) (Classical Good CD and DVD Guide)

ASIN: B00005I44H
Release Date: 2001-10-29

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 In F Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 37
Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 39
Concerto No. 3 In D Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 40
Concerto No. 4 In G Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 41
Concerto No. 5 For Piano And Orchestra, K. 175
Concerto No. 6 In B-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 238
Concerto No. 8 In C Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 246
Concerto No. 9 In E-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 271
Concerto No. 11 In F Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 413
Concerto No. 12 In A Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 414
Concerto No. 13 In C Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 415
Concerto No. 14 In E-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 449
Concerto No. 15 In B-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 450
Concerto No. 16 In D Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 451
Concerto No. 17 In G Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 453
Concerto No. 18 In B-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 456
Concerto No. 19 In F Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 459
Concerto No. 20 In D Minor For Piano And Orchestra, K. 466
Concerto No. 21 In C Major For Piano And Orchestra, K.467
Concerto No. 22 In E-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 482
Concerto No. 23 In A Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 488
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, Kv 271 -Jeune Homme-- 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, Kv 271 -Jeune Homme-- 2. Andantino
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major, Kv 271 -Jeune Homme-- 3. Rondeau - Presto
Concerto No. 27 In B-Flat Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 595
Rondo In D Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 382

Album Details

Box Set of Perahia's Critically Acclaimed Cycle of the Great Mozart Piano Concertos Brings You the Entire Cycle in One Convenient and Pleasurable Box.

Customer Reviews:

Uchida versus Perahia in the Mozart concertos.......2006-03-19

Murray Perahia was quite a young man when he started his cycle as both pianist and conductor in the Mozart concertos. He was followed by another superb Mozartean, Mitsuko Uchida, whose cycle on Philips features the same English Chamber Orchestra, so I thought it might be worthwhile to compare the two.

Perahia: Perahia is a thougtful, non-virtuosic, and highly musical pianist. He was at his most extroverted in these works, thereby escaping any tendency to make Mozart sound precious or dainty. Although he had never conducted a recording before, he also proved a vigorous leader from the keyboard (not exceeding Bernstein in this dual role, but Bernstein only made a handful of concerto recordings). The orchestral accompaniments are vivacious, if a bit straightforward. Perahia saves his musical insights for the keyboard in large part, and here he excels. His interpretations are flawless, full of invention. The recorded sound, especially in early installments, can be rough, however, resulting in a somewhat shallow, bright, and brittle piano. As listed here at Amazon there is an enormous price difference (2-to-1 or more) between this 12-disc set and Uchida's 9-disc one, but at other retailers and on the used market both can be bought very cheaply.

Uchida: From the rapturous reviews below, you would think Perahia has no rivals in this music. He does, of course, in Clifford Curzon, Clara Haskil, Rudolf Serkin (though not the late, enfeebled recordings on DG), and Uchida herself, to mention only a few. Uchida first made her mark by recording the complete Mozart sonatas. Here she is joined by a talented ocnductor, Jeffrey Tate, who may be a deciding factor for some buyers since his accompaniments are more polished and detailed than Perahia's. Philips also gives the ECO and the piano better sound, with more warmth and depth than we hear from Perahia. As an itnerpreter, Uchida is more studied--her phrasing can be affected compared to Perahia's--but in general she is to the manner born. This is immpeccable playing, and her ability to shape a lyrical phrase bows to no one. Uchida's complete cycle sells for under $65 at Amazon and much cheaper than that on the used market.

I found while collecting these great works that both Uchida and Perahia were completely satisfying--modern and fresh without resorting to period-performance mannerisms--and on any given day I liked one as much as the other. However, the advantage of having a good conductor and better sound is undeniably in Uchida's favor, while Perahia's more natural, extroverted style gives him an advantage. We are fortunate to have two compellling cycles at mid-price.

The Finest Mozart Piano Concerto Cycle Ever Recorded!I.......2006-01-29

I have written reviews as far ago as ten years about this cycle and my opinion has not wavered. This is one of Gramophone Magazine's 100 greatest recordings of all time and deservedly so. The concertos are my favorite mozart works and I have literally heard all major recordings of these works. Nothing compares. I wanted to let everyone know that this cycle will be re-issued in 2006 for the Mozart 250th birthday celebration with additional material included. This particular issue contains no booklet and the new release will be far more comprehensive. These works have been in my cd player regularly since they were first released and even before that on LP. The concertos were intended to be conducted by the pianist with a chamber orchestra as here. The English Chamber Orchestra is well up to the task and in my opinion one of the premiere Mozart bands in the world along with Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy. This is an issue to be treasured. Enjoy!

The artistic straightness! .......2005-12-20

Murray Perahia's musical integrity is unquestionable. Every time you listen this admirable pianist you feel the astonishing clarity of his impeccable phrasing as the final result of a conviction, a long journey that began in his soul and finished in his hands.

There are just a few pianists in the world who still maintain a musical thought (that has became an authentic rareness) far beyond the astonishing technique and refinement. Perahia playing is ambitious; that 's why he sounds so interesting and ever challenging the traditional canons.

In 2006 I really hope Perahia will record again Mozart 's Complete Piano works. So keep in mind this formidable artist of the piano.

Glad I bought this!.......2005-08-05

I am relatively new at buying classical music, so I really appreciate these reviews. It was through these, in fact, that I first discovered Murray Perahia, and I LOVE his piano playing. His interpretation is just right to me; while being technically perfect, he imparts just the right emotion--without ever going overboard or sounding mechanical. His playing sounds so light, so flawless--he makes it seem easy. You can feel the joy he has in performing these pieces. I love them all, and I was thrilled to add considerably to my meager collection at a price I could afford. I also strongly recommend "Murray Perahia Bach Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1,2 &4" and "Murray Perahia Bach Keyboard Concertos Nos. 3,5,6,7."

Mid-Price steal.......2004-06-18

At full price this set of Mozart Concertos was arguably the top choice available (penguin guide giving the set its highest rating) This current re-issue at mid-price is an absolute steal. Some may have reservations regarding the removal of program notes, but in truth these are rarely if ever read and are therefore unncessary anyway. Besides, one can access a vast amount of information about these concertos in books or off the Internet if required.

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 In F, KV 37: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In F, KV 37: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 1 In F, KV 37: 3. (Allegro)
Concert No. 2 In B Flat, KV 39: 1. Allegro spiritoso
Concert No. 2 In B Flat, KV 39: 2. Andante staccato
Concert No. 2 In B Flat, KV 39: 3. Molto allegro
Concerto No. 3 In D, KV 40: 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto No. 3 In D, KV 40: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 3 In D, KV 40: 3. Presto
Concerto No. 4 In G, KV 41: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 4 In G, KV 41: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 4 In G, KV 41: 3. Molto allegro

Tracks:

Concerto In D, KV 107 No.1: 1. Allegro
Concerto In D, KV 107 No.1: 2. Andante
Concerto In D, KV 107 No.1: 3. Tempo di Minuetto
Concerto In G, KV 107 No. 2: 1. Allegro
Concerto In G, KV 107 No. 2: 2. Allegretto
Concerto In E Flat, KV 107 No. 3: 1. Allegro
Concerto In E Flat, KV 107 No. 3: 2. Allegretto (Rondeaux)
Concerto No. 7 In F, KV 242 'Lodron': 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 7 In F, KV 242 'Lodron': 2. Adagio
Concerto No. 7 In F, KV 242 'Lodron': 3. Rondeau. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

Concerto No. 5 In D, KV 175: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 5 In D, KV 175: 2. Andante ma un poco adagio
Concerto No. 5 In D, KV 175: 3. Allegro
Concerto No. 6 In B Flat, KV 238: 1. Allegro aperto
Concerto No. 6 In B Flat, KV 238: 2. (Andante un poco adagio)
Concerto No. 6 In B Flat, KV 238: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
Concerto No. 10 In E Flat, KV 365/316a: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 10 In E Flat, KV 365/316a: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 10 In E Flat, KV 365/316a: 3. Rondeaux. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No.7 In F, KV 242 'Lodron': 1. Allegro
Concerto No.7 In F, KV 242 'Lodron': 2. Adagio
Concerto No.7 In F, KV 242 'Lodron': 3. Rondeau. Tempo Di Menuetto
Concerto No. 8 In C, KV 246 'Lutzow': 1. Allegro aperto
Concerto No. 8 In C, KV 246 'Lutzow': 2. Andante
Concerto No. 8 In C, KV 246 'Lutzow': 3. Rondeau. Tempo di Menuetto
Concerto No. 11 In F, KV 413/387a: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 11 In F, KV 413/387a: 2. Larghetto
Concerto No. 11 In F, KV 413/387a: 3. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

Concerto No. 9 In E Flat, KV 271 'Jeunehomme': 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 9 In E Flat, KV 271 'Jeunehomme': 2. Andantino
Concerto No. 9 In E Flat, KV 271 'Jeunehomme': 3. Rondeau. Presto
Concerto No. 12 In A, KV 414/385p: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 12 In A, KV 414/385p: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 12 In A, KV 414/385p: 3. Allegretto
Rondo In A, KV 386

Tracks:

Concerto No. 13 In C, KV 415/387b: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 13 In C, KV 415/387b: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 13 In C, KV 415/387b: 3. Allegro
Concerto No. 17 In G, KV 453: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 17 In G, KV 453: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 17 In G, KV 453: 3. Allegretto
Rondo In D, KV 382: 1. Allegretto grazioso
Rondo In D, KV 382: 2. Adagio
Rondo In D, KV 382: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No. 14 In E Flat, KV 449: 1. Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 14 In E Flat, KV 449: 2. Andantino
Concerto No. 14 In E Flat, KV 449: 3. Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 2. (Andante)
Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 3. Allegro
Concerto No. 16 In D, KV 451: 1. Allegro assai
Concerto No. 16 In D, KV 451: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 16 In D, KV 451: 3. Allegro di molto

Tracks:

Concerto No. 18 In B Flat, KV 456: 1. Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 18 In B Flat, KV 456: 2. Andante un poco sostenuto
Concerto No. 18 In B Flat, KV 456: 3. Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 19 In F, KV 459: 1. Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 19 In F, KV 459: 2. Allegretto
Concerto No. 19 In F, KV 459: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, KV 466: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, KV 466: 2. Romance
Concerto No. 20 In D Minor, KV 466: 3. Rondo (Allegro assai)
Concerto No. 21 In C, KV 467: 1. (Allegro)
Concerto No. 21 In C, KV 467: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 21 In C, KV 467: 3. Allegro vivace assai

Tracks:

Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: 3. Allegro (Rondo)
Concerto No. 23 In A, KV 488: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 23 In A, KV 488: 2. Adagio
Concerto No. 23 In A, KV 488: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, KV 491: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, KV 491: 2. Larghetto
Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, KV 491: 3. (Allegretto)
Concerto No. 25 In C, KV 503: 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto No. 25 In C, KV 503: 2. Andante
Concerto No. 25 In C, KV 503: 3. (Allegretto)

Tracks:

Concerto No. 26 In D, KV 537 'Coronation': 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 26 In D, KV 537 'Coronation': 2. (Larghetto)
Concerto No. 26 In D, KV 537 'Coronation': 3. (Allegretto)
Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 2. Larghetto
Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Excellent survey -- but you pick the format.......2006-02-27

For a full-blown review of the works on this set, see my review of the Mozart Complete Piano Concertos Boxed Set, which you can find easily by doing an Amazon search using the words "Mozart Marriner Brendel" and which shows the facade of a building with sky behind it on the cover. (What they has to do with Mozart I don't know.) That is exactly the same set as this, only re-released in a thinner, space-saving box format with the discs in paper sleeves. The above set is the original incarnation, in a larger "brick" box with plastic cases and different liner notes. This set is about five inches thick, vs. the 1.5 inches for the reissue box. The liner notes are better here--there are two essays, and one is by Brendel himself, along with photos of the participants. The booklet in the newer boxed set has a very generic essay on the concertos with no commentary from Brendel and no photos. The music sounds the same, and is presented in the same order. Your choice--if you have space limitations on your bulging shelves you'll want the other box. If space is not a concern and the price is cheaper here, goes with this issue. Either way you'll get a very fine overview of the piano concertos, well-played but not always the most memorable. You'll definitely want to round out your favorites with other great recordings.

A Great Collection.......2004-01-01

Great Quality. Only negative thing is maybe too high priced.

Enrich your life with Mozart.......2001-02-23

If you need an introduction to Mozart, this starting point remains unmatched. While not my first Mozart, this collection was the first CD i owned. The purchase has never been regretted. Indeed, it maintains a pride of place in my shelves.

Brendel's performance throughout this series is impeccable. He delves into Mozart's music as if he'd been sitting in a salon with Mozart reviewing the composition. There is a strong sense of time and place in all the renditions of the master's expressive genius. Brendel has avoided the trap of "updating" the performance to some 20th Century idea of how they should be rendered. Brendel brings a sense of the delicacy to his performances without losing an iota of the power behind Mozart's compositions. Brendel seems to impart Mozart's evolving maturity as he recaptures the fourteen year duration over which these pieces were composed. Mozart would hear his music with pride were he here to enjoy Brendel's recreations.

This collection sits quite close to my CD player. It takes little prompting to reach for it and randomly bring Mozart back to life through Brendel's playing. Choosing a "favourite" is difficult, if not impossible, but the 21st seems selected more often than not. Brendel's talent takes the listener into realms of musical rapture whichever concerto is played. It's impossible not to listen to these pieces without feeling a sense of reverence, both for the composer and his modern interpreter.

Marriner and The Academy undeservedly have been overlooked here. To a new generation it must be noted that Neville Marriner kept the Academy of St Martin in the Fields at the apex of the Baroque for many years. This orchestra is the ideal choice to accompany Brendel's rendition of Mozart's music. While the initial cost of this set may seem intimidating, the investment is more than worth the outlay. Take the plunge, remembering that you'll be enriching your life with the purchase.

Music from Heaven........2000-11-24

This is music from heaven. All the wonderful Piano Concertos are here on twelve discs. All are excellent. The Piano playing of Alfred Brendel is superb and the Orchestra with Neville Mariner is also very good. I like the most No. 8, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25. They are beautiful to listen to. It is the work and inspiration of a genius, just like me, ha ha ha. If you want to go to heaven without leaving your House, then listen to this music.

if you're searching for a complete pn concerto set..........2000-04-03

you definitely need to try this group. brendel is incomparable! most of the time he plays flawlessly, and when he doesn't (very rarely) the academy makes up for it. i sincerely think that any mozart done by marriner is worth buying. i know that this is quite an expensive investment, but please consider this exquisite set, i'm sure you won't be disappointed. oh, by the way, the rondo of no. 22 is one of my favorites, and brendel misses some of the crucial aspects of it for some unknown reason; so, i advise anyone to use the no. 22 rondo from the amadeus soundtrack instead (moravec) - and while you're at it, zacharias' version of the 1st mvnt. of no. 20 is actually better, but brendel's romanza is the best ever! so, in conclusion, buy brendel and you won't be sorry! thanks! mozart is the love of my life...believe me when i say this is great!

Beethoven: The Complete Concertos/Mozart: Concerto No.25

Average customer rating:

The young Fleisher in dazzling form
Definitive
Great Performances
Fleisher-Szell=Poise & Power
Fleisher-Szell=Poise & Power

Beethoven: The Complete Concertos/Mozart: Concerto No.25

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000026GM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 For Piano & Orchestra In C Major, Op. 15: I - Allegro con brio
Concerto No. 1 For Piano & Orchestra In C Major, Op. 15: II - Largo
Concerto No. 1 For Piano & Orchestra In C Major, Op. 15: III - Rondo: Allegro scherzando
Concerto No. 2 In B - Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 19: I - Allegro con brio
Concerto No. 2 In B - Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 19: II - Adagio
Concerto No. 2 In B - Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 19: III - Rondo: Molto allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No. 3 In C Minor For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 37: I - Allegro con brio
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 37: II - Largo
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 37: III - Rondo: Allegro
Concerto No. 4 In G Major For Piano & Orchestra, No. 58: I - Allegro moderato
Concerto No. 4 In G Major For Piano & Orchestra, No. 58: II - Andante con moto
Concerto No. 4 In G Major For Piano & Orchestra, No. 58: III - Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

Concerto No. 5 In E - Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 73: I - Allegro
Concerto No. 5 In E - Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 73: II - Adagio un poco moto
Concerto No. 5 In E - Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 73: III - Rondo: Allegro
Concerto No. 25 In C Major For Piano & Orchestra, D. 503: I - Allegro maestoso (Cadenza: Eugene Istomin)
Concerto No. 25 In C Major For Piano & Orchestra, D. 503: II - Andante
Concerto No. 25 In C Major For Piano & Orchestra, D. 503: III - Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

The young Fleisher in dazzling form.......2007-05-09

Sony has been eprverse with this classic set of Beethoven piano concertos, now over forty years old. It has never let it out of its sight but has never given the cycle the remastering it deserves. Here the sonics are better than the hissy, shallow original LPs form Epic, but at long last Sony has upgraded Concertos 3 and 4 to best sound in the newest Great Performances series. The Emperor desperately needs the same treatment but hasn't got it yet. A word of caution: don't bother sampling the dozens of recouplings that the Fleisher-Szell readings have gone through. None of them is any better than what we get here, and quite a few are worse.

Instead of adding the Triple Concerto, the last CD is filled out with a masterful performance of the Mozart C major K. 503 concerto. Szell's quicksilver Mozartean style is also present in the early Beethoven. He and Fleisher are out to dazzle us with rapid passagework and to make the music zip along in constant high spirits. Their approach is extremely successful in Concerto 1 and 2, perhaps less so in the later works where more heroism and variety are called for.

To most listeners, however, that will seem like a churlish quibble. These are adored recordings that some of us have lived with since we ere kids. As a pupil of Schnabel, Fleisher had much more depth than he displays here; listen to his latest recordings and you will hear what's missing. Yet on the whole no complete Beethoven cycle has ever been better, or even come close to the high polish and technique of Fleisher-Szell. Now let's get the updated sound that it richly deserves.

Definitive.......2005-03-17

Leon Fleisher is an incredible pianist, and I believe he is THE most underrated pianist of the 20th (and 21st) century. One must realize that he is a student of a student of a student of a student of BEETHOVEN HIMSELF! He is also in a descendent line of students of Liszt and Czerny! This man is a living legend. Unfortunately, the set with the triple concerto also included has gone out of print, so this is now the one to get. Needless to say, the performances are phenomenal.

Great Performances.......2001-01-19

This is an outstanding recording. Leon Fleischer and George Szell are a match made in heaven. The standouts in this collection are the Beethoven 4th and the Mozart 25th. George Szell was one of the absolute best conductors of concerti. The musicality and ensemble playing are flawless. The recording of the Mozart 25th is the best I've ever heard. Don't overlook one of Mozart's later masterpieces played so flawlessly. This particular work comes off best with a large modern orchestra,like the CSO, as opposed to a smaller ensemble. Great performances!

Fleisher-Szell=Poise & Power.......1998-09-11

In an interview,Leon Fleisher said that he had been in awe of George Szell from an early age-thanks to a recording of the Brahms D-minor concerto that his parents had given him featuring his future piano teacher (Artur Schnabel!) and Szell conducting. Many years later Fleisher himself would make a series of records with Szell and the Cleveland orchestra in music ranging from Mozart and Beethoven to Grieg and Rachmaninoff. Along with their sublime set of the two Brahms concerti(also now available)this set remains a classic in the anals of recording for their forward impetus,sweep,power and poetry.Szell never just supports his soloist,but offers instead an ongoing dialogue between pianist and orchestra.Fleisher plays with all the fire and poetry that hallmarked his famous teacher,and with technical aplomb.The orchestra was at the top of their form-in a word,magnificent! The piano sound is a little hard in places,but the balance is fine. This set is a must for every Beethoven lover,it will never be bettered.

Fleisher-Szell=Poise & Power.......1998-09-11

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 14-16

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000AEKA
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 14 in E flat major, K.449: Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 14 in E flat major, K.449: Andantino
Piano Concerto No. 14 in E flat major, K.449: Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 15 in B flat major, K.450: Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 15 in B flat major, K.450: Andante
Piano Concerto No. 15 in B flat major, K.450: Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 16 in D major, K.451: Allegro assai
Piano Concerto No. 16 in D major, K.451: Andante
Piano Concerto No. 16 in D major, K.451: Rondeau: Allegro di molto

Amazon.com

Barenboim recorded a perfectly fine cycle of Mozart piano concertos for EMI with the English Chamber Orchestra. He's now doing them all over again for Teldec with the Berlin Philharmonic, and one can only ask: Why? It's not that there's anything particularly wrong with these sensible performances; it's just that there is no particular reason why he had to do them all over again. This is particularly pressing when you consider that you can get the same works at budget price on Naxos in equally fine performances, or even Barenboim's own earlier cycle in a budget-priced box. The simple fact is that Barenboim has never had much of a reputation as a Mozart pianist (his Beethoven is another story altogether), so at full price, there's little reason to splurge on this disc. --David Hurwitz

Track Listings:

Track Listings

Vancouver 1958 [Live]

A Stone's Throw

Eargasm

Carnival (1961 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]

Centenary Edition 1948-1957, Vol. 6

Destination

Caoine: Music by Biber, Hartke, Reger, Rochberg, Bach / Makarski

Coming About

Belle Epoque [Soundtrack]

De Nuevo en la Pantalla

Groundhog Night

We Are Always Searching