Mozart was a the peak of his popularity as a composer and pianist in Vienna when he premiered his Piano Concerto # 21 on March 9, 1785 at the Burgteater in Vienna, in one of his subscription concerts. That evening was a well-attended leading musical and social event, with a new concerto from the composer.
The music critic, Niemetschek, reported that his playing “captivated every listener and established Mozart as the greatest keyboard player of his day.”
Leopold Mozart, who was visiting his son at this time, noted that the work was “astonishingly difficult.” This happy visit would be the last time that the father and son would see each other. At this time, Mozart was highly energized—he had completed K. 467 only one month after Piano Concerto Number 20 and within the upcoming 21 months he would produce four more.
Pianist Yael Eum Son first drew international attention when she appeared as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Lorin Maazel on its 2004 tour of Asia. She was re-engaged to perform with the Philharmonic and Maestro Maazel in 2008. Ms. Son solidified her reputation in 2009, when she claimed both the silver medal and the Steven De Groote Memorial Award for the Best Performance of Chamber Music in the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Listen to Yael Eum Son as she plays this work so beautifully.
