Brendel plays 5 Mozart piano concerti No’s: 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24
This 2-CD album is really wonderful! It contains 5 of Mozart’s most famous piano concerti, and his two Rondos for piano and orchestra. Alfred Brendel and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, under the direction of Sir Neville Marriner, give us a terrific interpretation of these works. Brendel is an expert player of Mozart’s music, as well as that of Schubert and Beethoven; I found him to be particularly expressive in the Concerto No. 20, one of my favorites. Pay particular attention also to the Concerto # 24: It also makes for a terrific listening experience! Listen especially to the second movement, Larghetto.
Brendel creates a delightful Mozartean feeling. We hear his beautiful phrasing, strong adherence to dynamics, and terrific balance with the orchestra.
Yes… Many other pianists have recorded these works. Among them are such giants as Mitsuko Uchida, Barenboim, Murray Perahia, and others. However, Brendel can hold his head high with these: His musicality and experience give us something to savor.
There’s one small disappointment, and that relates to the Piano Concerto No. 23: Its first movement is recorded on the first disc, while its last two movements are in the second. Not a great tragedy, but a small inconvenience…
To hear brief audio samples, or to purchase this 2-CD album, go to: