COMPOSERS: Mozart
LABELS: Philips Solo
WORKS: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K488; Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K491
PERFORMER: Mitsuko Uchida (piano)ECO/Jeffrey Tate
CATALOGUE NO: 442 648-2 DDD (1987/89)
A welcome reissue of two of Mozart’s best loved piano concertos. Mitsuko Uchida is a persuasive soloist; her playing here is highly refined, intelligent, always clear and sensitively phrased. The performances are quite understated, even in the more dramatic moments of the C minor Concerto; this will certainly be to the taste of those who love ‘Dresden china’ Mozart, though others may prefer a more extrovert and dramatic approach. The ECO under Tate provides spirited accompaniment with striking articulation and a good balance, although I found a ‘breathy’ quality about the flute a little offputting. Jessica Duchen
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K488; Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K491
A welcome reissue of two of Mozart’s best loved piano concertos. Mitsuko Uchida is a persuasive soloist; her playing here is highly refined, intelligent, always clear and sensitively phrased. The performances are quite understated, even in the more dramatic moments of the C minor Concerto; this will certainly be to the taste of those who love ‘Dresden china’ Mozart, though others may prefer a more extrovert and dramatic approach.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm