Mozart: Piano Concertos 17 & 18

1. Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 453
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Nice Orchestre Philharmonique with Homero Francesch
Conducted by Klaus Weise

2. Piano Concerto No. 18 in B flat major, K. 456
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Nice Orchestre Philharmonique with Homero Francesch
Conducted by Klaus Weise

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.

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 6, 17 & 21 / Géza Anda

Average customer rating:

Extraordinary
Concerto recordings that would have pleased Mozart himself
Great Performance
The finest performances of Nos. 17 and 21
The Best 17 ever!

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 6, 17 & 21 / Géza Anda

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GQO
Release Date: 1996-05-14

Tracks:

Konzert Nr. 17 G-dur KV 453: I. Allegro
Konzert Nr. 17 G-dur KV 453: II. Andante
Konzert Nr. 17 G-dur KV 453: III. Allegretto
Konzert Nr. 21 C-dur KV 467: I. Allegro
Konzert Nr. 21 C-dur KV 467: II. Andante
Konzert Nr. 21 C-dur KV 467: III. Allegro vivace assai
Konzert Nr. 6 B-dur KV 238: I. Allegro
Konzert Nr. 6 B-dur KV 238: II. Andante un poco adagio
Konzert Nr. 6 B-dur KV 238: III. Rondeau. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Extraordinary.......2007-02-15

Géza Anda excels, mainly in the two "andantes" that work beautifully as the soundtrack of the movie. Not to be missed!!

Concerto recordings that would have pleased Mozart himself.......2001-07-10

Geza Anda is not as familiar a name in the world of classical piano as is a Daniel Barenboim, Artur Rubenstein, Vladimir Ashkenazy, or Vladimir Horowitz; however, this recording of Mozart's 17th, 21st, and 6th concertos for piano show that Anda's ability to interpret Mozart is perhaps equal to that of the aforementioned pianists. The recording is splendid. It doesn't sound cold, despite the fact that it once carried a reputation for lacking emotion. Instead it sounds very classical, as Mozart would have liked it to have been played. Critics are so used to everything being interpreted romantically(even if it's not from the romantic period) that they forget that some pieces are not meant to be as utterly emotional as a work by Chopin or Liszt. Anda brings out the beauty and life from these mozart piano concertos and does quite a good job with the orchestra which he conducts from the piano. I've heard many versions of these concertos, from many stylistically different pianists like Uchida and Argerich. As far as I'm concerned, Anda performs these concertos better than all others, plus his cadenzas are majestic. On top of that, the sound is perfect, sounding as if it were just recently recorded. Plus at midprice, you couldn't ask for more. This CD truly a bargain, and I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a great interpretation of Mozart.

Great Performance.......2000-10-21

Do yourself a favor, and purchase this over the Serkin (Deutsche Grammophon) version. Anda really shines on the Andante of no. 21. Great Interpretation, Great Performance, and Great Value.

The finest performances of Nos. 17 and 21.......1999-12-26

Geza Anda's performance of Mozart's 21st piano concerto is simply gorgeous. All other performances pale before it. His performance of the 17th concerto is also superb and No. 6 makes a welcome filler. No one who loves Mozart should pass up this disc.

The Best 17 ever!.......1999-08-12

Geza Anda's playing is stellar. After hearing his #17 you won't be able to tolerate anyone else's. Geza Anda was to Mozart what Glen Gould was to Bach. His #21 is beautiful, too.

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

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

ASIN: B00000C2KO
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

The sound quality is poor and the balance no good.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highly recommended

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

Average customer rating:

Amazing, as always
FANTASTIC!
Breathtaking
Cool, clean Mozart

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

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000K2WP
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

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: Piano Concertos 14,17 & 21
Average customer rating:
Mozart: Piano Concertos 14,17 & 21

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000ASAEOO
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

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

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Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 17 & 18

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002J58VK
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Average customer rating:

Very fine music and an outstanding performance.
One of Mozart's greatest concertos and a sublime performance

Mozart: Concertos Nos. 17 & 18

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Concertos Nos. 15 & 16
Mozart: Concertos for piano No24; Concertos for piano No22
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 26; Rondos for Piano & Orchestra
Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9 & 21
Mozart: Piano Concerti

ASIN: B0000025J6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Mozart Concertos: Piano Concerto No.17 In G Major, KV 453: Allegro
Mozart Concertos: Piano Concerto No.17 In G Major, KV 453: Andante
Mozart Concertos: Piano Concerto No.17 In G Major, KV 453: Allegretto
Mozart Concertos: Piano Concerto No.18 In B Flat Major, KV 456: Allegro
Mozart Concertos: Piano Concerto No.18 In B Flat Major, KV 456: Allegretto
Mozart Concertos: Piano Concerto No.18 In B Flat Major, KV 456: Allegro assai

Amazon.com

Murray Perahia has recorded all of the Mozart piano concertos, and his effortlessly brilliant accounts can be recommended across the board. The playing is on the highest level--vibrant, unfailingly beautiful, wonderfully acute in its grasp of style and expression. Equally outstanding is the work of the English Chamber Orchestra, which Perahia leads from the keyboard. The recorded sound, while not as radiant as the music-making, is consistently good and well balanced from disc to disc. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Very fine music and an outstanding performance........2005-07-13

The one negative review of this recording is misleading indeed. Although I am not the great conductor that this prior reviewer must be, I had to write this short comment to simply offset what I thought was an unfairly critical review. The performance quality of this cd is of the top notch variety, as much of Perahia's work proves to be. The recording quality, though not up to today's standards, is nevertheless very good and in no way hinders pianistic impression. The key significance of this recording, and the measure by which it should be judged, is how it has held up as the most popular and critically acclaimed recording of these two concertos for the decades since it was recorded. Recommended with enthusiasm by a serious music lover and nearly obsessive Mozart fan.

One of Mozart's greatest concertos and a sublime performance.......2001-09-12

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote more than 20 piano concertos and every one has at least one great movement. In the 17th, all three are great. As in his greatest symphonies and opera overtures, the music is full of great themes and ideas and the transitions between them are seamless. The first movement has melody, drama and surprise modulations, all showing the mastery Mozart had of his craft. The middle movement is sweet pathos as only Mozart can deliver. It's the last movement that puts the game right in the middle of the most charming opera buffa style. I can not listen to this movement without smiling and feeling the wonderful helpings of playful joy. This concerto is not one of the more highly touted, like the 9th, and every one from the 19th to the 25th. Yet Mozart was squarely into his mature period as a composer and was still the toast of Vienna when this concerto was first performed.
Murray Perahia is one of the very few who have total command of the piano. He is also the consummate artist, never showy or self conscious. One of his greatest atributes is his ability to let the music speak in a most profound manner, tempos always right on and orchestra direction at its most colorful.
Of all the Mozart concertos, the 17th is one of my absolute favorites and I never tire of all the invention, fun, and all that great heavenly music. The 18th is harder to approach, not being as memorable melodically. The idioms are all there, and the logic is inscrutable, but it isn't at the same level of inspiration as the great concertos mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, Mozart never wrote any bad music and Perahia never fails to bring out the essential musicality of the score. This is a first class disc all the way even though it was originally recorded before today's more perfect digital environment. The only question for me is if this would be one of my 10 "desert island" discs. I do know it would be in my top 25 and should be in every Mozart lover's collection.

Average customer rating:

Another one of those hidden bargains

Mozart: Piano Concertos 17, 19, 21 & 25

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000632G
Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major - K.467: I Allegro maetoso
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major - K.467: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major - K.467: Allegro vivace assai
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major - K. 503: I Allegro maetoso
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major - K. 503: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major - K. 503: III Allegretto
Adagio in B minor - K. 540: Adagio

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major - K. 453: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major - K. 453: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major - K. 453: III Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major - K. 459: I Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major - K. 459: II Allegretto
Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major - K. 459: III Allegretto assai
Fantasia in D minor - K. 397: Fantasia in D minor

Customer Reviews:

Another one of those hidden bargains.......2002-06-19

This two-CD set is an incredible deal, combining polished performances with a relatively low price tag. The Ambache Chamber Orchestra (an ensemble I'd never heard of before) shines as its members give performances that amazingly have both a light, "Mozartean" sound and appropriate tautness and power. They provide an excellent backdrop for the worthy playing of Diana Ambache, who (although also relatively unknown) plays through these concertos with a nimble dexterity that leaves no room for mistakes. An added bonus is her solo performances of the Fantasia K. 397 and Adagio K. 540, works that display a completely different side of Mozart--mellow, somber, almost morbid. These pieces make a fantastic juxtaposition with the concertos that take up most of these CDs, and Ambache evidently realizes this, altering her tone and style to fit the mood of each piece. In fact, when the orchestra players are involved, they do this too, subtly changing their approach to each movement. The only quirk I can find with this CD set is the orchestra's tendency to rush ever so slightly in certain parts of the concertos, most notably on descending arpeggios. However, rather than detracting from the overall effect, this serves to heighten it, as the slight rushing provides a reminder of the obvious fun the orchestra and Ambache are having while playing each piece. In short, this CD set was obviously recorded by people who both love music and are extremely adept at playing it. The music contained on these two CDs sounds like music found on much higher-brow, higher-priced CD sets, and it's available for a bargain value. Any Mozart fan (or any classical piano fan in general) shouldn't let this one get away.

Track Listings:

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