Search - Katchen, Beethoven, Mozart :: Art of Julius Katchen 2

Magnificent Mozart & Brilliant Beethoven

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 03/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Julius Katchen was considered one of the world's best pianists when he died tragically of cancer at the age of 42 in 1969. This 2-CD Double Decca Import title, Volume 2 of "The Art of Julius Katchen" series, easily shows why. This set focuses on Katchen's accounts of three Mozart Piano Concertos, but also completes the pianist's Cycle of the Beethoven Piano Concertos (see my review of "The Art of Julius Katchen" Vol. 1 for Beethoven PCs 1-3 & 5). CD 1 begins with Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 and the Choral Fantasia, with Piero Gamba and the London Symphony Orchestra, and concludes with Mozart's 13th Piano Concerto, with Peter Maag leading the New Symphony Orchestra of London. CD 2 is all Mozart and features Concertos 20 & 25, with Karl Munchinger and the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, and the Piano Sonata in A major, KV 331. Many of Katchen's vintage performances have been available sporadically stateside over the years, but these Australian imports are the best way to currently get all of his glorious Concerto recordings."

An Addendum

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 04/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The risk you run when buying import classical CDs is that they will eventually get released domestically at a much lower price. Well, such is the case here for yours truly. My review below is still accurate in terms of musical content, so instead of editing it (and losing my helpful votes) just note that this title is no longer an Australian import. Enjoy the savings!"