Mozart: Concertos for Piano No. 18 & 19

Editorial Reviews
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Having not heard Andreas Staier's previous Mozart concerto disc (containing K271 and K453) hitherto I have thought of him fundamentally as a very fine fortepianist in partnership with singers in Lieder recitals of the Romantic era. Henceforth I shall regard him, on the evidence of this exciting new issue, as a brilliant Mozartian. He plays a very responsive, mellow and even-toned instrument here, one with sufficient weight in the lowest register to let the thorough-bass accompaniment make its effect in tutti passages (something that Mozart specified in his autograph scores), while being sufficiently bright and light to sparkle as equal partner with the woodwinds high up in its range. As usual with Teldec, the booklet identifies the instrument; it was built by Monika May at Marburg in 1986, modelled on an Anton Walter of Vienna from the period of the chosen concertos. (The booklet also contains the transcript, and translation into English and French, of an interesting recent conversation between Staier and Alfred Brendel, but little about these works themselves.)

Initially I felt that some of the tempos were a little on the fast side; but on repeated hearings they sound ever more right: there is no smudging of textures, no inappropriate highlighting of details, just a sensitive, deeply appreciative response to the music as written. Concerto Köln, here 23-strong, illuminate the orchestral writing with just the right emphasis; the wind players enjoy their serenade-like passages and elsewhere fill out the tuttis with just balance; the string detail is also exemplary – I don't recall hearing some of the bass-line dialogue with other instruments so clearly yet unostentatiously brought out. For me, the obvious comparison is with the Malcolm Bilson/John Eliot Gardiner issue of 1986 on Archiv, which pairs the same two concertos of late 1784, to similarly exhilarating effect. Other recommendable period-instrument pairings of Nos. 18 and 19 are Melvin Tan with Nicholas McGegan and, more recently, Robert Levin with Christopher Hogwood. Readers who prefer conventional modern instruments will be happy with Mitsuko Uchida and Jeffrey Tate. But Andreas Staier and Concerto Köln are guaranteed to open ears hitherto unresponsive to the period-instrument movement.

Peter Branscombe

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:

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

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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).

Tracks:

Concerto No. 21 In C, KV 467 (Elvira Madigan): 1. Allegro
Concerto No. 21 In C, KV 467 (Elvira Madigan): Andante
Concerto No. 21 In C, KV 467 (Elvira Madigan): Allegro vivace assai
Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Maestoso
Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Larghetto
Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat, S. 124: Allegro maestoso - Liszt
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat, S. 124: Quasi adagio - Liszt
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat, S. 124: Allegretto vivace - Allegro animato
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat, S. 124: Allegro marziale animato - Liszt

Tracks:

Concerto No. 5 in E flat, Op. 73 < >: Allegro
Concerto No. 5 in E flat, Op. 73 < >: Adagio un poco mosso
Concerto No. 5 in E flat, Op. 73 < >: Rondo. Allegro
Concerto symphonique No. 4, Op. 102: Scherzo
Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Moderato
Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Adagio sostenuto
Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Allegro scherzando

Customer Reviews:

RUN - not walk - to pick this up!!.......2006-10-30

I purchased this CD set on eBay for less than $2 some time ago. Reviews here on Amazon are usually written by people who buy the CD from Amazon, but this set has brought me so much pleasure that I am obliged to - nay, MUST - write a review here to spread the word. :)

I have been a classical aficionado for the last 6 years or so, and have to date accumulated a collection of >150 classical CDs. Artistic merit aside, I am picky about recorded quality; most of my listening is done through headphones (AKG k501), so poor sound quality in a CD is a big no-no for me.

I'll get sound quality out of the way first then - the SQ on this set varies from good to excellent. Sometimes the miking may come across as a little too warm (Rachmaninov) or a wee bit hollow sounding (Chopin), but there is nothing major to complain about here. There is a spot of easily noticed distortion in the first 10 seconds of the Emperor (more on that later).

I originally purchased this set for just one performance in particular - Clara Haskil's Chopin #2. This particular performance has been out of print for some time and was last available as part of an exorbitantly priced set (Clara Haskil: Legacy) that is now impossible to find.

In a nutshell, Haskil's performance alone is worth the full price of the entire set. The playing in the 2nd movement is absolutely magical - Haskil interprets Chopin with a delicacy and refinement that is difficult to put into words. Her playing brings to mind something my old piano teacher once told me - "Anyone can play Chopin, but few can play Chopin well". The way the solo melodic line is strung together at ~41 seconds into the 2nd movement will send shivers down your spine. Beauty too rich for use / for earth too dear, indeed.

But wait - there's more!

Imagine my surprise when another of the performances in this set turned out to be a 'sleeper hit': Brendel's Beethoven #5 ("Emperor"). I quickly grew to prefer Brendel's Emperor over my 'reference' recording - Pollini with Abbado (part of a very expensive DG 3CD set!). Brendel plays with more emotion and warmth - his Emperor comes off as truly majestic when compared to Abbado, who comes off as a little more magisterial and cold. There is a spot of piano clatter about 10 seconds into the first movement, but it is nothing major and certainly does not detract from the beautiful playing that follows.

Unfortunately Brendel's Elvira Madigan comes across as faaaaar tooooo slooooowwwww (for my taste). The playing is mannered, and there is none of the wiry elegance that should (in my opinion) characterise interpretations of music written during the Classical period. I much prefer my Pires with Abbado on DG for this concerto.

Janis's Rachmaninov #2 is worth a mention as well. Tape hiss on this recording is noticeable on headphones, but not overly prominent. There are few options for the Rach 2nd nowadays - Ashkenazy's warhorse is the usual (and nearly unanimous) recommendation.

Byron Janis was (in?)famous due to his being one of Vladimir Horowitz's two 'officially' recognised pupils, yet I find little Horowitz in this interpretation. There is none of the bravado and bold impulsiveness that characterised Horowitz's earlier work, no awkward mannerisms that characterised his middle work and none of the introspectiveness and coolness that characterised his late work.

What you will get instead is a well-measured and 'polite' Rach #2 with rather melancholy overtones, I find. Certainly a viable alternative to the Ashkenazy mentioned earlier, but a choice subject to personal taste. I prefer my own copy on Naxos by Jando.

I am not familiar with the Litolff and the Liszt, so I shall reserve comment on their respective readings. They are both well recorded though - warm and expansive.

From the sublime to the merely good........2006-04-27

This collection is an absolute steal. Three of the concerto recordings are unsurpassed. The Haskil Chopin is legendary, Richter's Liszt is colossal and Janis's Rachmaninoff is absolutely formidable. Brendel's recordings of Mozart and Beethoven are on a lesser level of achievement, but never less than good.

It should be noted that the Liszt and Rachmaninoff are Mercury Living Presence recordings, and if you've never heard a recording with only 3 well-placed mics, they do sound different from the usual 25-plus microphone recordings we are usually blessed (cursed) with.

At this price, one of the absolute CD bargains of all time.

Meh..........2006-03-28

This collection serves as a descent introduction to some great piano concertos, but the performances are not the best and the recording quality of most of them leaves much to be desired for me. I learned my lesson with regards to the 'best of' classical collections. Personally I'd rather have gotten great recordings of great performances of great classical pieces for a little more money.

In spite of..........2005-06-21

The problem with a heterogeneous collection like this one is that you may like some of the concertos, but not all. I have never found any better recording of Chopin's 2nd concerto than the one with Haskil/Markevitch, so this alone is worth the price, hence my five stars - only for that one! Brendel on Mozart's 21st is also one of many nice accounts. The others are not good enough, if you ask me. Chopin's 2nd by Haskil/Markevitch carries the stars; it is pure magic!

Great Piano Concerto Collection.......2003-07-03

Back in the days before I became a serious collector of classical music, I had this title. What a wonderful introduction it was for me, and if all you are looking for is some first rate performances of some of the best loved Piano Concertos ever written, then this disc is for you. Of course, I no longer own this CD, but I still have all of the individual performances (save the Litolff by Dichter/Marriner) on more comprehensive collections -- the Mozart on the Philips Duo of the "Great Mozart Piano Concertos" featuring Brendel and Marriner, the Chopin on the now o.o.p. Clara Haskil Legacy Vol. 2, the Liszt on a recently reissued Philips 50 title, the Beethoven on the new 3CD Universal Trio collection, and the Rach 2 on good old Mercury Living Presence -- and they are still among my favorites. If you buy this set, just be prepared to upgrade like I did.

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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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!

Average customer rating:

Polyphonic or left-handed?
Perahia or Uchida for all the Mozart concertos?
Uchida, authority of Mozart piano, in monumental performance
The Ultimate Union of Beauty - Mozart, Uchida & Tate

Mozart:Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B00000415Z
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

Concerto In D: Allegro
Concerto In D: Andante ma poco adagio
Concerto In D: Allegro
Concerto In B Flat: Allegro aperto
Concerto In B Flat: Andante un poco adagio
Concerto In B Flat: Rondeau (Allegro)
Concerto In E Flat: Allegro
Concerto In E Flat: Andantino
Concerto In E Flat: Rondo (Presto)

Tracks:

Concerto In C: Allegro aperto
Concerto In C: Andante
Concerto In C: Rondeau (Tempo di menuetto)
Concerto In F: Allegro
Concerto In F: Larghetto
Concerto In F: Tempo di menuetto
Concerto In A: Allegro
Concerto In A: Andante
Concerto In A: Rondeau (Allegretto)

Tracks:

Concerto In C: Allegro
Concerto In C: Andante
Concerto In C: Rondeau (Allegro)
Concerto In E Flat: Allegro vivace
Concerto In E Flat: Andantino
Concerto In E Flat: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto In B Flat: Allegro
Concerto In B Flat: Andante
Concerto In B Flat: Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto In D: Allegro assai
Concerto In D: Andante
Concerto In D: Rondeau (Allegro di molto)
Concerto In G: Allegro
Concerto In G: Andante
Concerto In G: Allegretto
Rondo In D: Allegretto grazioso
Rondo In D: Adagio
Rondo In D: Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto In B Flat: Allegro Vivace
Concerto In B Flat: Andante un poco sostenuto
Concerto In B Flat: Allegro vivace
Concerto In F: Allegro vivace
Concerto In F: Allegretto
Concerto In F: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Concerto In D Minor: Allegro
Concerto In D Minor: Romance
Concerto In D Minor: Allegro assai
Concerto In C: Allegro
Concerto In C: Andante
Concerto In C: Allegro vivace assai

Tracks:

Concerto In E Flat: Allegro
Concerto In E Flat: Andante
Concerto In E Flat: Allegro - Andante cantabile - Tempo 1
Concerto In A: Allegro
Concerto In A: Adagio
Concerto In A: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Concerto In C Minor: Allegro
Concerto In C Minor: Larghetto
Concerto In C Minor: Allegretto
Concerto In C: Allegro maestoso
Concerto In C: Andante
Concerto In C: Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In D: Allegro
Piano Concerto In D: Larghetto
Piano Concerto In D: Allegrhetto
Piano Concerto In B Flat: Allegro
Piano Concerto In B Flat: Larghetto
Piano Concerto In B Flat: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Polyphonic or left-handed?.......2006-09-20

I find myself going to the Mozart piano concerti again, and recently had the astonishing, and quite unexpected, gift of having been given them again after several rather serious upheavals in my life. These are the Mozart piano concerti that I turned to. And how often does one get to hear the d minor concerto fresh? Or Mozart's clarinet quintet? Or the Goldberg Variations? Very nice icing on the cake.

I have various versions of many of these: Serkin, de la Roccha, the excellent Perahia, of course; and Richard Goode is not to be sneezed at. That said, I prefer Ms. Uchida's. Bach's death in 1750 occasioned the steep decline of polyphony, although one hears it, from time to time, down the centuries. But Ms. Uchida seems to bring out the left hand more than other interpreters. Perhaps she's sensitive to it, or perhaps she's left-handed; I suffer, or am glad of, sinistrality myself. She brings out the tag-team action between the hands, showing the music in a new light entirely.

It's the pleasure of having a new phrase in an old warhorse played in a way which limns the rest of the piece in a new and fresh way.

I've converted several people, among them my father, to the Mozart piano concerti with these; they reside in my house, my car, my Mac, and my iPod. But I must ration them; after all I'll never get to hear them new more than twice. I am told, on good authority, that the third time would kill me.

Perahia or Uchida for all the Mozart concertos?.......2006-03-19

Note: in this review I refer to Uchida's Mozart as a bargain set. I am referring to a later reissue than the one pictured here. Her performances are also available in a series of bargain two-fers.

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, self-effacing, 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 Perahia's 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.

Uchida, authority of Mozart piano, in monumental performance.......2002-11-01

Many have said that Mitsuko Uchida has all elements of being the leading Mozart pianist of our days, and perhaps of all days yet. Japanese subtlety with its sense for the seemingly small, paired with secure female intuition as well as a light and flawless technique and utterly good taste, combine to one of the great treasures of current classical music: Uchida's Mozart. For the concertos, she has teemed up with Jeffrey Tate's light, fresh and airy style, which provides the perfect partnership for her own style. Very few other performer/composer combinations are so utterly convincing and produce such pearls of the classical repertoire. To mind come only Arrau's Beethoven and Liszt (but not quite his Mozart, although it is intriguing in other ways and the comparison to the very different Uchida view is highly rewarding), Mutter's romantic violin concertos, young American prodigy Hilary Hahn's solo Bach, as well as Yo-Yo Ma's universally good cello. All in all: a set that, together with Mozart's piano sonatas by Uchida, no serious classical listener must miss.

The Ultimate Union of Beauty - Mozart, Uchida & Tate.......2000-06-12

With Mozart being one of my major life supports, I have been very particular about who interprets, as Einstein calls it: The Synthesis - The Piano Concerto. I have difficulty in expressing myself, but I can only say that music, being the vehicle to produce joy, sadness, anguish, and peace, unless these treasures are beautifully done, they leave you nowhere. This union takes me to Elysium. PS: Ms Uchida's cadenza to the C minor K491 is brilliant!

Mozart: Complete Piano Concertos / Jos van Immerseel, fortepiano / Anima Eterna Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Beautifully done, temperate, wonderful sounding and constantly delightful
Beautifully Performed and a Bargain
Delicious

Mozart: Complete Piano Concertos / Jos van Immerseel, fortepiano / Anima Eterna Orchestra

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Beethoven: Archduke & Ghost Trios
Schubert: Piano Trios D 898 & d 929
Beethoven - The Symphonies / Augér, Robbin, Rolfe Johnson, Reinhart, AAM, Hogwood
Beethoven: Sonaten für Klavier & Violine Op. 23 & 30
Handel: Messiah, Israel In Egypt - Andrew Parrott/Taverner Choir & Players (4 CD's)

ASIN: B000003UWY
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 5 KV 175 In D: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 5 KV 175 In D: Andante ma un poco Adagio
Clavier-Concert 5 KV 175 In D: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 9 KV 271 In Es: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 9 KV 271 In Es: Andantino
Clavier-Concert 9 KV 271 In Es: Rondeau Presto Menuetto - Tempo Primo

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 8 KV 246 In C: Allegro Aperto
Clavier-Concert 8 KV 246 In C: Andante
Clavier-Concert 8 KV 246 In C: Rondeau Tempo di Menuetto
Clavier-Concert 28 KV 382 In D - Rondo: Allegretto Grazioso Adagio - Allegro
Clavier-Concert 12 KV 414 In A: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 12 KV 414 In A: Andante
Clavier-Concert 12 KV 414 In A: Allegretto

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 11 KV 413 In F: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 11 KV 413 In F: Larghetto
Clavier-Concert 11 KV 413 In F: Tempo di Menuetto
Clavier-Concert 13 KV 415 In C: Allegro poco Maestoso
Clavier-Concert 13 KV 415 In C: Andante
Clavier-Concert 13 KV 415 In C: Allegro Scherzando
Clavier-Concert 14 KV 449 In Es: Allegro Vivace
Clavier-Concert 14 KV 449 In Es: Andantino
Clavier-Concert 14 KV 449 In Es: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 15 KV 450 In B Flat: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 15 KV 450 In B Flat: Andante
Clavier-Concert 15 KV 450 In B Flat: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 16 KV 451 In D: Allegro assai
Clavier-Concert 16 KV 451 In D: Andante
Clavier-Concert 16 KV 451 In D: Rondo, Allegro di molto

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 6 KV 238 In B Flat: Allegro aperto
Clavier-Concert 6 KV 238 In B Flat: Andante un poco Adagio
Clavier-Concert 6 KV 238 In B Flat: Allegro Rondo
Clavier-Concert 17 KV 453 In G: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 17 KV 453 In G: Andante
Clavier-Concert 17 KV 453 In G: Allegretto

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 18 KV 456 In B Flat: Allegro Vivace
Clavier-Concert 18 KV 456 In B Flat: Andante un poco Sostenuto
Clavier-Concert 18 KV 456 In B Flat: Allegro Vivace
Clavier-Concert 19 KV 459 In F: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 19 KV 459 In F: Allegretto
Clavier-Concert 19 KV 459 In F: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 20 KV 466 In D Minor: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 20 KV 466 In D Minor: Romanze
Clavier-Concert 20 KV 466 In D Minor: Allegro assai
Clavier-Concert 21 KV 467 In C: Allegro Maestoso
Clavier-Concert 21 KV 467 In C: Andante
Clavier-Concert 21 KV 467 In C: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 22 KV 482 In E Flat: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 22 KV 482 In E Flat: Andante
Clavier-Concert 22 KV 482 In E Flat: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 23 KV 488 In A: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 23 KV 488 In A: Andante
Clavier-Concert 23 KV 488 In A: Presto

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 24 KV 491 In C Minor: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 24 KV 491 In C Minor: Larghetto
Clavier-Concert 24 KV 491 In C Minor: Allegretto
Clavier-Concert 25 KV 503 In C: Allegro Maestoso
Clavier-Concert 25 KV 503 In C: Andante
Clavier-Concert 25 KV 503 In C: Allegretto

Tracks:

Clavier-Concert 26 KV 537 In D: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 26 KV 537 In D: Larghetto
Clavier-Concert 26 KV 537 In D: Allegretto
Clavier-Concert 27 KV 595 In B Flat: Allegro
Clavier-Concert 27 KV 595 In B Flat: Larghetto
Clavier-Concert 27 KV 595 In B Flat: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully done, temperate, wonderful sounding and constantly delightful.......2007-07-14

I am 100 percent in harmony with the other reviewers that gave this set 5 stars. It is a wonderful rendition of Mozart's known concertos on 10 separate disks grouped in a box. Jos von Immerseel, one of the heavyweights of period performance, plays period keyboard and conducts his orchestra, Anime Eternal, in these early 1990s recordings that sound splendid, spacious, and highly detailed.

Whether you are listening to the joyous tread of the early Concerto No. 5, or one of the mature minor key concerti, or the final incomparable Concerto No. 27, Immerseel takes you on a journey of delight and discovery with playing and recording that is uniformly outstanding throughout the collection.

Immerseel's playing is always tempered by the moderation that keeps Mozart from becoming Beethoven. Indeed, I find Immerseel more temrperamentally suited to Mozart than Beethoven, based on his recordings of Ludwig van's Concerti Nos. 1-5. While those are good and No. 4 is great, they are not performed with the stylistic qualities or level of spit and polish he and his band regularly demonstrate in Mozart.

Anime Eterna plays and responds wonderfully for the maestro-soloist in this set. The period strings don't have the luster of modern steel strings but they play well and don't sound like iron on iron. Meanwhile, the woodwinds, brass and timpani all perform admirably and they capture every nuance Mozart put into these scores.

This set is a keeper for anyone that wants to hear Mozart played on instruments and in sound that may have mimicked what it was like in his day. I've heard a few of the competing period performances in Mozart and none impressed me like Immerseel and Anime Eterna. If you put this set on your shelf next to Buchbinder's grand piano box with Vienna Symphony, you are equipped well enough in this repertoire to outlast most competition for the next quarter-century.

Beautifully Performed and a Bargain.......2006-07-06

To get a couple of minor negatives out of the way first: This is an integral of the original solo concertos only. You won't get the four juvenile arrangements of other composers' work for the piano and orchestra. The three piano concerto is missing. More regrettably, so is the duo piano concerto. Notes are minimal and in German only, so newcomers won't find much in the way of background on the music or the performers. The 5 star rating is based upon the performances, not for the presentation.

Those negatives aside, I am glad I bought the set. Immerseel's performances on a sweet-toned fortepiano are technically polished, well inflected and have all sorts of nicely turned improvisation-like touches. He also plays continuo in the tuttis. The period instrument orchestra acquits itself well. The tension between the fortepiano, wind band, and strings is much easier to put across with period instruments. The acoustic is intimate but lively and very nicely recorded.

I also own the Bilson/Gardiner Archiv cycle and the torso of the aborted Levin/Hogwood effort. The latter was an unfortunate casualty of the downturn in the recording industry a few years back and would probably have been the preferred cycle, for Levin's improvised cadenzas alone. If you can live with the omissions in Immerseel's work, you won't be disappointed if you are in the market for a period instrument cycle. The performances are top drawer and at roughly $6 per disc a bargain. The Bilson/Gardiner effort is a little more expensive in its current mid-price issue and includes the multiple piano concertos, but also omitting the four early arrangements.

Delicious.......1999-07-17

I've heard about every major recording (and minor) of Mozart's piano concertos. I even bought Bilson's outing with Gardiner and the EBS.

But I'll probably buy this one too, now, after having heard it all awhile back. Even if you hate the fortepiano, you may well like the one Immerseel plays here. It's really delicious.

Tracks:

Prelude a l'AprMidi d'un Faune - Belgrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Igor Markevitch
Agnus Dei - Ricardo Casinelli, ,
Four Seasons -- 2nd Movement: Largo E Pianissimo Sempre - Martin Sieghart, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Orfeo Ed Euridice 2nd Act -- Ballo: Andante (Dance of the Blessed ...) - Wilhelm Keitel,
Liebestraum No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 62 "O Lieb So Lang" du ... - Peter Schmalfuss
Ice Skaters Waltz "Las Patineurs" Excerpt - Gerhard Becker, Berlin Symphony Orchestra
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 Death of Ase - Libor Pesek, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Air - Artur Faihs, Frida Faihs
Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a III: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Alfred Scholz, South German Philharmonic Orchestra
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, No. 1: Aria - Christiane Jaccottet
Tales of Hoffman "Barcarolle" - Philharmonic Orchestra, Christian Rainer
Suite Bergamasque III: Clair de Lune - Peter Schmalfuss
Landler, Op. 171, No. 4 - Peter Schmalfuss
Ave Verum Corpus, Motet K. 618 - Rolf Schweizer,
Preludes, Op. 28 No. 15 in D flat major: Sostenuto "Raindrops" - Bianca Sitzius
Canon in D major: Preludes - Bernhard G Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Elegies for Piano, Op. 34 I: Wounded Heart - Stefan Jeschko

Tracks:

Preludes, Book 1 No. 8: "La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin" - Peter Schmalfuss
Suite Espa, Op. 47 Sevilla - Irina Kircher
Water Music Suite, Allegro - Oliver VonDohnanyi
Humoresque, Op. 101 - Erich Appel, Oliver Colbentson
Songs Without Words for Piano, Book 2, Op. 30, No. 6 in F sharp minor - Sylvia Capova
Swan Lake, Ballet Suite, Dance of the Swans - Belgrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Igor Markevitch
Divertimento No. 1 in B flat major, 2nd Movement - Chorale Saint Antoni Andante,
Symphony No. 5, 4th Movement: Adagietto - Anton Nanut
Lohengrin, Prelude to Act 3 - Bystrik Rezucha, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46: Anitra's Dance - Libor Pesek, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Preludes, Op. 3, No. 2 in C sharp minor - Yuri A. Rozum
Tale of the Tsar Saltan -- Flight of the Bumble Bee - Camerata Rhenania, Hanspeter Gmur
Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 "Jupiter," 1st Movement: ... - London Philharmonic Orchestra, Alfred Scholz
Finlandia, Op. 26/7 - Roland Donatte,
Etudes, Op. 10, No. 5 in G flat major "Black Keys" - Peter Schmalfuss
Serenade in E major, Op. 22, 1st Movement: Moderato - Marian Lapsansky, Bystrik Rezucha, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, 2nd Movement: ... - Marian Lapsansky, Bystrik Rezucha,
Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a, Arab Dance - Alfred Scholz, South German Philharmonic Orchestra
Divertimento for 2 Horns & Strings in F major "A Musical Joke," ... - Capella Istropolitana
Faust "Margarethe" -- Ballet Music, Allegretto - The London Symphony Orchestra, Alfred Scholz
Gymnopedies No. 3 - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48, 2nd Movement; Waltz - Kurt Redel
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 Traumerei - Peter Schmalfuss
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Adagio - Marian Lapsansky, Bystrik Rezucha, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Waltz in A flat major, Op. 69/1 - Peter Schmalfuss
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73, Adagio Non Troppo - Libor Pesek, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Largo from Xerxes - Ernst Riedlinger
Symphony No. 22 in E flat major, "Philosopher," Adagio
Quintet in E minor, G. 451, Allegro Moderato - Karl Heinz Ber, Hans Kalafusz, GKehr, Gunter Lemmen, Siegfried Palm

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

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