Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Murray Perahia, English Chamber Orchestra :: Mozart: The Complete Piano Concertos [Box Set]

Outstanding

A. M. MOUNSEY | Nottinghamshire, UK | 08/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many excellent collections of these concertos, but, in my opinion, Perahia stands out as the pianist who can convey the passion, the drama, the joy, the sadness and the sheer playfulness of these masterpieces of the repertoire most effectively. I would certainly recommend this remastered edition with absolutely no reservations whatsoever."

Lack of Variation Does Not Bother Me

TheodenKing | Texas | 08/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't usually post reviews here on amazon but this set deserves an exception. I shopped very carefully to find the "best" of the complete sets (shelling out $80 requires some attention to detail). After reading various reviews and sampling every recording I could find, I purchased this set.



Before I begin, I should say I don't believe that any performance of classical music is "definitive." There are good recordings and bad recordings, yes, but among the good ones, it is often difficult to decide which is the "best." I usually aim for an excellent sound coupled with a solid and moving interpretation of the work. For Mozart's piano concertos, there are several sets which contain both, with the individual recordings varying in the finer things.



For this particular performance, Perahia is all about tone, and keeping it perfect. Some may criticize this set for sounding "all the same" or lacking in variation, but this does not bore me or present much of a problem. When its played as beautifully as this one can never have too much. Still, if you are looking for a little more interpretation to "jazz up" the recordings, Brendel's set may be for you. I prefer this less romantic venture which focuses solely on the music. When I listen to one of these concertos I don't feel that I hear Murray Perahia playing, because he doesn't embellish or add anything. He just makes the music sing beautifully, and though I never like seeing the words "this is how the composer would have played it" (especially on Chopin reviews) I often feel that I'm hearing Mozart himself joyously run along the keys while conducting the instrumentalists.



The English Chamber Orchestra, which has performed this work with several other prominent pianists, sounds flawless and dances beautifully alongside Perahia's sweeping fingers. I cannot stress enough how clear this sound quality is: I've grown accustomed to muffled or muted piano sounds from various other cds and so was very pleased to hear this recording sound as great as it does. The playing is lighthearted and quick: some have expressed that it is a little boring but as I said above: lack of variation does not mean lack of excitement or interest.



A word for those who may be considering purchasing a much cheaper 2-disc set containing only the "major" concertos: the lesser known ones are just as good as the later ones! I found the first four concertos to be so melodic I spent a week listening to only them! There is certainly something to be said when listening to a piece of music for the first time, and this set gives you the opportunity to do just that and go far beyond the 6 or 7 that are heard everyday.



All in all, a purchase I am very glad I made, and one that continues to be listened to. A worthy purchase for anyone looking for a clear recording of Mozart's concertos performed in a very solid and classical way."