Mozart: Three Concertos

1. Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major, K. 313 (K. 285c)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Chamber Orchestra Europe , Thierry Fischer

2. Bassoon Concerto in B flat major, K. 186e (K. 191)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Chamber Orchestra Europe , Matthew Wilkie

3. Concerto for flute, harp & orchestra in C major, K. 299 (K. 297c)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Chamber Orchestra Europe , Thierry Fischer , Charlotte Sprenkels

Customer Reviews:

Mozart done right.......2007-06-10

I have been listening to Perahia since the early 80s thanks to CBS Master Works Mozart Concerto lps. He has probably come close to recording these concertos twice. The biggest change I have seen in Perahia is that he has gone from looking totally mod (if that still is a word, especially the hair), to looking like a New York banker. Would life not be more fun if we went from the New York Banker look to totally mod as we neared our AARP years (that is what my dad did)? The music is still very enjoyable. I will just ditto the other 5 star comments.

Since Amazon does not provide a track listing, it is worth pointing out that none of the concertos are split over 2 cds. I know this is a niggly for some who find it irritating to have to change the disc to hear the remainder of the concerto. After the first couple of discs, there are 2 concertos per disc except the last that has PC #27 and Rondos K382 & K386. If they had done the splits there would be a few less discs in this set.

remastered classic performances.......2007-05-08

The performances on this 12 disc set have been praised since they were orginally issued in the late 1970s and through the 1980s. I have other complete sets and individual discs of these works, and I find myself returning to Perahia as my favorites. He has astounding tone and sense of rhythm, and the English Chamber Orchestra is in lock step with him throughout I am sure in part due to the fact that Perahia conducted them from the keyboard.

What makes this 2006 reissue even more special? First, Sony remastered all of the recordings using their Direct Stream Digital process and SBM direct. What this means is that the sound sparkles with a realism that was lacking before. In addition, the set is packaged in sturdy envelopes and a cardboard case that takes a little over an inch of shelf space. It saves you money, and takes up much less space that traditional jewel case require.

A legendary set, with recent technical improvements, at a great price.

Highest of recommendations!

The best complete set out there........2006-11-22

Sure, there are better performances of individual concertos - after all, Perahia is competing against a century of recorded legacy by legends such as Maria Yudina, Rudolf Serkin, Clifford Curzon, Robert Casadesus, and the immaculate Clara Haskil.
But what makes this set truly outstanding is the harmony between Perahia and the English Chamber Orchestra. In this aspect only, this is one of the most beautiful concerto playing I have ever heard.
And of course, you have Perahia's pianism. Some may criticize him for lack of emotional content - but even his detractors can't deny that his cultivated tone is unrivaled. And come on, Perahia's playing does not lack emotional content or interpretive genius. I can't believe anyone would even try to level that argument against Perahia. Just listen to his performances on, for example, Schumann's Symphonic Etudes. His performance captures the sense of melancholy like no other.
I do agree, however, that on this Mozart concerto set one may find a lack of variance. This is the only problem I have with Perahia.. his tone is always so beautiful that it's analogous to Ella Fitzgerald - sometimes she had a hard time making us feel dirty or sad. Needless to say, there are poignant moments - but perhaps Alfred Brendel beats Perahia in sacrificing tone for interpretive brilliance.
Overall, however, this set is the best representation of Mozart's Piano concertos. Brendel's is, apart from being expensive, more inconsistent. I find Brendel more of a Beethoven pianist. Perahia, however, manages to leave behind 12 cd's that undoubtedly will remain one of the most divine, beautiful accounts of Mozart concertos for days to come.

An Indispensible classic, plain and simple.......2006-08-31

This new remastered edition gives this the best sound quality ever for these classic recordings . A must have at a resonable price.
Enjoy!

Mozart: Concertos for Two and Three Pianos

Average customer rating:

Another great performance
Great Mozart
Mozart: Music for 2 and 3 Pianos
Sheer piano lust!
Essential Mozart

Mozart: Concertos for Two and Three Pianos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448; Schubert: Fantasia for Piano, 4 Hands in F Minor, D 940
Brahms: Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119
Mozart: Music for Two Pianos & Piano Duets
Schubert: Impromptus D 899 & D 935 / Radu Lupu
Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos

ASIN: B0000026PW
Release Date: 1991-08-23

Tracks:

Concerto For 2 Pianos & Orchestra In E-Flat Major, K. 365 (K. 316a): I. Allegro
Concerto For 2 Pianos & Orchestra In E-Flat Major, K. 365 (K. 316a): II. Andante
Concerto For 2 Pianos & Orchestra In E-Flat Major, K. 365 (K. 316a): III. Rondeaux: Allegro
Concerto For 3 Pianos & Orchestra In F Major, K. 242 'Lodron' Concerto: I. Allegro
Concerto For 3 Pianos & Orchestra In F Major, K. 242 'Lodron' Concerto: II. Adagio
Concerto For 3 Pianos & Orchestra In F Major, K. 242 'Lodron' Concerto: II. Rondo: Tempo di Menuetto
Fantasia In F Minor, K. 608: I. Allegro ritenuto
Fantasia In F Minor, K. 608: II. Andante
III. Allegro ritenuto
Andante And Variations For Four Hands In G Major, K. 501: Andante
Andante And Variations For Four Hands In G Major, K. 501: Variation I
Andante And Variations For Four Hands In G Major, K. 501: Variation II
Andante And Variations For Four Hands In G Major, K. 501: Variation III
Andante And Variations For Four Hands In G Major, K. 501: Variation IV
Andante And Variations For Four Hands In G Major, K. 501: Variation V

Amazon.com

Radu Lupu and Murray Perahia should have recorded all of Mozart's piano music for four hands, which includes several neglected masterpieces. This disc reflects their ideal partnership, two artists of great sensitivity collaborating in performances that feature constant interplay of parts, alertness to each other's work, and superb playing as individuals. The Concerto for Two Pianos ripples along without a care in the world, just as it should, and the English Chamber Orchestra doesn't seem to care that nobody is conducting it. The pieces without orchestra are a bit less significant (as is the Concerto for Three Pianos), but the playing is so beautiful you won't care. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Another great performance.......2007-05-09

Fabulous music performed by fabulous musicians. Mozart is one of my favorite composers. His music is genius. And Muray Perahia and Radu Lupu are two of the greatest pianists of our time.

Great Mozart.......2005-11-20

This is a very good recording of these pieces. Lupu and Perahia take Mozart seriously and play with energy and lyrical power. The chamber orchestra fits very well into the picture. This is a safe bet for these wonderful pieces.

Mozart: Music for 2 and 3 Pianos.......2004-11-04

Wow...this is a wondeful recording, plain and simple.

If you haven't listened to the Fanatsia in F minor, originally for mechanical organ, then this is the recording to commence doing so with. This is a fantasic rendition of this piece, full of the darkness that must have pervaded Mozart's final years.

The finale of the E-flat Concerto K365 is also a one-of-a-kind showpiece with wonderful dialogue between the 2 pianos.

Highly recommend this recording as the very best available of the pieces it contains.

Sheer piano lust!.......2002-10-16

This is one of my all time favorite piano works. I have several different versions of K365 and this seems the best combination of punch/musicality/flow. Fantasia K608 is a masterpiece on its own and probably a one of a kind interpretation since it was originally written for the organ, then re-writeen (not by Mozart) for 2 pianos, and last edited by Perahia and Lupu for its final form.
Highly recommended!

Essential Mozart.......2001-04-01

As a reviewer on another piece noted, the modern world seems bent on presenting Mozart as the wunderkind (Tom Hulce playing him like a Martin Short character from SCTV in 'Amadeus' may have had *something* to do with it ). Anyway, this was the disc that opened my mind up to another view of Mozart. I wouldn't call it masculine, but rather, deep, brooding, emotional and above all monstrously convincing: these pieces and the fantastic playing on this disc will make you realize that Mozart was not just a huge influence on Romantic music, but that he deserves more credit than he's gotten for the emergence of the deeply personal, individualistic styles of the 19th C.

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:

La Choisy - (For Horns And Orchestra)
Andante Sostenuto - (For Horn And Harp)
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra: Allegro
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra: Andante
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra: Allegro
Rondo KV371- (For Horn And Orchestra) In E-Flat Major
Concerto No. 4, KV 495 For Horn And Orchestra In E-Flat Major: Romanza - (andante)
Concerto No. 4, KV 495 For Horn And Orchestra In E-Flat Major: Rondo - (Allegro vivace)
Sonata - (For Horn And Harp) - Andante
Villanelle - (For Piano And Orchestra)
Conzertstuck Op. 86 - For 4 Horns And Orchestra: Lebhaft
Conzertstuck Op. 86 - For 4 Horns And Orchestra: Romanze, Sehr lebhaft

Customer Reviews:

If Edith Piaf had been a horn player..........2006-06-02

Just a note on the criticism of vibrato: These recordings must be heard with their cultural context in mind; they are excellent examples of the French style of playing which is famous for its lyricism, light sound and rapid, pronounced vibrato (Georges Barboteau is one of the greatest modern exponents of this style). It may well be that the use of vibrato was more widespread in Europe in the 19th century than it is today, thus giving an air of authenticity to these recordings. Despite their often widely differing tonal and lyrical characteristics, you'll still hear a good deal of vibrato in the national styles of Czech (the French style is supposed to have been established by Bohemian players imported by Louis XIV), Russian, East German, French, and Italian styles of horn playing. All a matter of taste (or lack thereof) and acculturation.

Fabulous French Horns.......2006-04-10

I am not a musician, but a music lover and just happened to stumble upon this magnificent CD by accident. I am now an avid fan of the french horn. If you can get your hands on a copy, buy it! Enjoy.

Excellent Selections, Bad playing.......2004-04-07

This CD on the Erato label has many great selections including the rare Konzertstuck for hour horns in orchestra. However, the performers play with too much vibrato, particularly on the pieces from the classical era. Even though the collection includes the incredible Konzertstuck, it is played most poorly, with a very obvious crack on the high E. If you want an alternate recording of the Konzertstuck, there is a phenomenal one with Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony on the Delos label. If it is the Mozart concerti you want, I suggest the classic Dennis Brain recordings. If you really enjoy the sound of vibrato on a horn, then get this CD. You will not find horns that play with more vibrato than these guys.

The French Horn:Opinion.......2001-10-18

I thought this CD was really quite good. The tone I liked espcially, although the music did not provoke a major reaction or reach out and grab me. If you don't know if you would like to buy this soundtrack, I think you should. The more I listened to the music, the more I enjoyed it.

An excellent production.......2000-09-15

I studied Horn at the Royal Academy of Music in the early 80's. The trend was already moving away from the huge sound of the wide bored instruments of the 70's. If you like French horn tone to remind you of Disney's Fantasia then do not buy this CD, but if you admire a sensitive and refined performance you won't do better than this. The tone is east European with its distinctive yet subtle vibrato. The Conzertstuck is awesome. (Listen for the 1st horn freaking out at 40,000 feet in the last movement at 7:52)

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Concertos & Sonatas

Manufacturer: Sony Classical
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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George Szell Plays and Conducts Mozart

ASIN: B00005KKNZ
Release Date: 2001-01-01

Mozart: Concertos for Two & Three Pianos

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Concertos for Two & Three Pianos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Sonata No. 3; Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119
Mozart: The Five Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante; Concertone
Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D958, 959, 960

ASIN: B0002J58W4
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Mozart Piano Concertos: Complete Mozart Edition

Average customer rating:

Excellent survey -- but you pick the format
A Great Collection
Enrich your life with Mozart
Music from Heaven.
if you're searching for a complete pn concerto set...

Mozart Piano Concertos: Complete Mozart Edition
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Neville Marriner , Alfred Brendel , Imogen Cooper , and Academy of St. Martin-in-the Field
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000410O
Release Date: 1991-01-18

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:

Wonderful, Wonderful
Another Great CME box set by Philips
That most reliable of composers (from a marketing standpoint)

Mozart: Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Mozart: Piano Music

ASIN: B0000501PG
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, Wonderful.......2007-04-20

Pianists like Brendel, Barenboim, Gould, etc greatly benefited from the tremendous improvements in analog recording technology that occurred in the late 1950s. We are blessed to have many fine recordings of Brendel when he was in his prime.

The last 10 cds of this box set are performed by Brendel. The first cd is performed by the renowned Ingred Haebler. CD 1 is the worst sounding of the lot and sounds like mid 1950s analog. Ingred is apparently playing a period piece pianoforte instead of a modern piano. She covers concertos 1 to 4. The piano sounds a bit too much like a harpsichord for my taste, especially the right hand which seems to have a lot of tinkle in the sound. This disk is interesting to listen to if only to get acquainted with the early pianoforte.

Disk two has a Bach harpsichord sonata that Mozart orchestrated. This disk is great if only to let me know that Ingred WAS NOT playing a harpsichord! The harpsichord is front row center on disk two. If you just listened to the first two cds and closed your eyes and drifted off a little you might awaken thinking I Musici had taken over your stereo and turned Mozart into Vivaldi! Fortunately this is not the case. Brendel makes more than a stand up appearance on the last 10 cds. The last 10 cds sound great and can easily hold their own with recent DDD recordings.

With classical music, I really do not like comparing A to B and saying which is better. My primary motive in listening is not to be a critic. Especially if both A and B were a hoot to watch or listen to. I am a hedonistic listener. I want the music to move me and affect me and lighten my day. I do not want to live life as a never satisfied music critic nit picker. Now for the adversative conjunction: BUT, I greatly enjoy Brendel at the piano and Marriner and the ASMF performing Mozart. I love Brendel's touch which seems at times to dance and float over the keys. I have not heard any orchestra top the ASMF Mozart performances (though Karl Bohm & the WPO do rise to the same level).

These disks run about 12.5 hours and at 128 kps can just about fit on a single CD (that is what I did with them). I can drive Tacoma WA to Portland OR and back and never change the CD! It is really amazing that Mozart was able to create a truck load of wonderful music in such a short life.

The advantages to acquiring this affordable box set is you will have 12.5 hours of some of the most beautiful music ever created performed by one of the greatest pianists of the last half of the 20th century along with one of THE premier orchestras that specialize in performing Mozart. (Hollywood picked the ASMF to do the music for the film Amadeus for a good reason).

Another Great CME box set by Philips.......2007-03-09

When I have decided that I would collect all of the box sets produced by Philips under the name Complete Mozart Edition, Vol.4 Piano Concertos was number one on my list. I ended up getting Vol. 15 : Late Italian Operas and Vol. 12: Arias, Canons, Lieder first with the Compactotheque. Days after ordering those I could not resist the temptation to buy this one as well so ordered Vol. 4: Piano Concertos as well.

Now before writing my opinions about this box set (top notch :) ) I wish to tell everyone how I review box sets. I think when you buy a box set you are buying the box set because of the complete works or as in my case, to complete a greater collection (CME). The problem with these sets is that you cannot get the definitive version on each composition interpreted. To expect that would be unrealistic. Well, perhaps not so unrealistic, taking Maestro Karajan's 1962 Beethoven Cycle, but that kind of recordings come along very rarely. You cannot expect to see Luciano Pavarotti or Placido Domingo on each tenor arias on Vol. 12 or Bryn Terfel and other great baritones on each baritone arias. If you'd like to get it that way, you have to give a lot of time and money.

My personal opinion on this product is that it is a great collection to own. It is complete, it features Alfred Brendel and Sir Neville Marriner (who is one of the most respected Mozartians) on the majority of tracks and their take on these compositions are terrific, though not definitive. I consider this a great addition to my music library and think that everyone will come to think of it this way once they listen to the recording.

As a final note, I know that $96 sounds like a lot at first (It did to a lot of my friends who cannot even justify to spend $10 on a music CD) but there are 12 CDs inside and you get to listen Alfred Brendel and Neville Marriner. On top of that this is a Philips production and rest assured this is one of the greatest three classical labels, along with Decca (who specializes on opera) and Deutsche Grammophon.

Get it, you won't be dissappointed at all.

That most reliable of composers (from a marketing standpoint).......2006-02-26

Happy birthday to you...Happy birthday to you...Happy birthday dear Johann Chrysostom Wolfgang Theophilus Mozart.* And at 250 years old, you're still holding up well. Record companies continue to reissue your stuff in copious amounts. Let's see if the Rolling Stones last as long.

This set is another reissue of a boxed set that first came out more than 12 years ago, culled from LPs that came out nearly thirty years ago. The bulk of it is Alfie Brendel with Sir Neville and those guys in the fields, performing with the usual grace and aplomb the bulk of the Mozart concertos. All except No. 25 are in the studio--25 is live with a few audience coughs here and there but nothing seriously distracting. What stands out the most in these performances ends up being both their strength and their weakness: the consistency. Marriner and Brendel give you what you'd expect from them--polished classicism, Waterford crystal, impeccably-clean playing. They find different moods in the various concertos, but at the same time, they never surprise, never swing for the fences, never take chances. This is an excellent "overview" set of the concertos, a nicely-played complete set in good sound to have on your shelf, a survey. But you'll want to explore other artists and other recordings for more definitive performances: a stunning C minor concerto (my favorite piano concerto by anyone!) by Clara Haskel and Igor Markevitch, a delicious No. 23 by Haskel with Paul Sacher, a spiritual and shimmery No. 17 with Maria Joao Pires and Claudio Abbado, a rough-and-tumble No. 20 with Martha Argerich and Alexander Rabinovitch, a haunting, sad No. 27 with Haskel and Fricsay. (Note the absense of Perahia/English Chamber Orchestra recordings in my recommendations.) Some highlights in this set include a very elegant No. 21 that is surpassed in my collection only by Rosina Lhevinne, and a terrific, fresh-as-spring Jeunehomme concerto that I've still never heard bested. The warmth of Brendel and Marriner also may help with the Concerto No. 25, which I usually find hard to listen to because is strikes me as a cold and hollow work. Some real letdowns are a tepid No. 24 (but great No. 24s are hard to come by) and rather characterless Nos. 17 and 20.

That leaves the non-Brendel works in the set. Most of these are early Mozart works--some are his transcripts of works by J.C. Bach and are thus not "original" Mozart concertos. These are given periodist performances by Ton Koopman, Ingrid Haebler, and others. They are a bit at odds, stylistically, with the modern Brendel performances, and they were clearly originally part of another series for Philips, one with a different musical aesthetic, and they were attached to this project to make the box complete. The different approach doesn't bother me, but it has caused comment from some people. There are also several concerti he wrote for two and three pianos, including one, the "Lodron," performed by Katia and Marielle Labeque and conducted by Marielle's hubby Seymon Bychkov. It's okay, but the Lodron isn't exactly my cup of tea.

Incidentally, this is the exact same set as one issued by Philips in a large "brick box" (the kind with plastic CD cases) that features a large black piano on the cover, called The Complete Mozart Edition. The liner notes are different (and better in the "brick" box, with an interesting essay on Mozart playing by Brendel himself) but the mastering of the CDs sounds exactly the same. The current issue is a slimline box with paper sleeves. It soaks up about an inch and a half on your shelf, vs. the four or five inches of the previous issue, so if space is important to you, get this incarnation.

In short, this is not definitive, but it is complete, and if you want to hear Mozart's evolution as a composer of piano concertos, it's hard to go wrong here. Another box set that's not quite complete but which contains all the "major" concertos is by Christian Zacharias on EMI--it's cheap and very good and should stand on your shelf next to this one.

*Yes, Amadeus was actually not part of his baptismal name. Go figure.

Average customer rating:

My impressions are the opposite of the previous reviewer - this set is "blah"
Not Much Kocsis

Mozart: Piano Concertos (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008GQ74
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Customer Reviews:

My impressions are the opposite of the previous reviewer - this set is "blah".......2006-12-16

Derek Han is a technician. I find little to marvel at in his playing. The orchestra under Freeman sounds like it's on automatic pilot, and the computer is on the fritz. It's slack, excruciatingly boring playing. A real disappointment considering the source.

IMO, you can do soooo much better than these mediocre performances that should have never seen the light of day. For magic, get Barenboim's EMI set (NOT the Teldec series), where the orchestra plays with real panache and Barenboim is at a height of his considerable talents. Or Anda, even with the slightly scrappy orchestra (and a few moments where there really should've been a couple of re-takes). The orchestra isn't scintillating there, but my God they beat the pants off of this set. Even Ashkenazy (first Decca with Philharmonia), who can sound a little cold, is FAR superior to this set, and has great sound. And then there are so many single releases that are exceptional. Annie Fischer with Boult, for example.

No, I recommend saving your pennies. This set is a far-miss.

Not Much Kocsis.......2004-11-12

Although the Amazon listing would have you believe that Zoltan Kocsis is the pianist here, he actually plays only in the recordings of the two-and three-piano concertos -- and those are the weakest performances in the set.
No, the pianist in all 27 of the solo concertos (including the four early transcriptions)is the far less highly regarded Derek Han. The good news is that he's quite good -- musicianly, well sprung and masculine, rather in the German tradition of Backhaus, Erdmann and Elly Ney. Note however that this is less nuanced playing than most people seem to prefer these days.
The even better news is that the conductor, Paul Freeman, is brilliant. This is no small thing. As well as Andras Schiff plays, Vegh is also the hero of that set; Serkin performed much better with Schneider than he did with Szell; and Britten is at least the equal of both Curzon and Richter in their recordings. Concertos are about interplay, and there's no substitute for a strong conductor, pace Perahia, Ashkenazy and the Orpheus group. Having said all that, the most distinguished recordings in the set are the Rondos played by Annerose Schmidt and conducted by Kurt Masur. If you can find their complete concerto set (it's available through some British and German outlets) grab it! This is Mozart performance on the highest level.

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