Sublime Mozart Piano Concertos
Brad J. | St. Paul, MN | 08/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This fine collection of Mozart's piano concertos is yet another example of the quality of the EMI Gemini two-CD series. With a few exceptions, this has most of my favorite concertos in a bargain set. The performer is highly fluid and offers some beautiful performances here, and although he is not as renowned as other Mozart pianists he keeps the sounds fresh and vibrant. Surely this is how Mozart would like to hear them played. This is highly recommended to any fans of Mozart, whether you are just starting your lifelong love of his works or if you've been listening to him from the cradle (I wish I had been so lucky). Don't hesitate to buy this set, as it is a testament to the purity and brilliance of music that is Mozart. As one Mozart fan said (and I wish I could have said it), "Mozart's music is eternity made audible." Surely, she agreed that this music is the proof we would extend to God to show examples of our worth."
The Only Concerto No. 21 there should be...
Leif Thorsted | Los Angeles, CA USA | 06/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The most famous Mozart piano concerto - the 21, or "Elvira Madigan" is perfected beyond perfection by Christoph Eschenbach, who both plays and directs this piece. Many conductors move this work at a faster tempo, seeming to be in a hurry to be done with it. Eschenbach takes is slower, allowing the listener to savor every note, to ponder what the music is saying to them. The cadenza is arranged also by Eschenbach, and is heart-breakingly beautiful. The Eschenbach recording of the Mozart 21 is the only recording to which I can listen. Every other recording is lacking in comparison. Eschenbach also gives all of the other concertos on this set a feel and warmth that only he can impart. You will not regret having this album in your collection."
Marvelous Mozart from Eschenbach
Mark Hennicke | A stone's throw from Carnegie Hall | 07/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since I had enjoyed Mozart: Piano Sonatas from Christoph Eschenbach, I was reasonably sure that his two cd Mozart concerto set from EMI's Gemini series would be quite marvelous as well. I could not have been more correct. The pianist does an equally splendid job with the concertos, just as he did on his sonata box set from DG. His playing is wonderfully thoughtful & precise, unencumbered with trivialities, as are his solo Mozart piano performances. Eschenbach proves himself an able conductor of Mozart as well, giving excellent direction to the London Philharmonic Orchestra from the keyboard.
Mozart's Piano Concerto #23 is always my benchmark when judging a pianist's aptitude in any of the composer's pieces for piano & orchestra. While Christoph Eschenbach does not exceed the marvelous versions available from Murray Perahia & Mitsuko Uchida, his performance of K.488 in this collection is certainly top level & holds up quite nicely along side of the work offered by both of those gifted artists.
This fine two cd set from EMI would be an excellent adddition to any classical music library. The sound quality of the recordings is first rate & the collection features some grand Mozart playing at an exceptional bargain price. Enthusiastically recommended!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
