Search - Mozart, Serkin, Schneider :: Piano Concerti 17 & 18

Best 18 on CD;17 is close

11/08/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Serkin recorded these concerti with #s 14-16 and 19. These were available briefly on cd and especially 15 and 16 deserve re-release. In 17, only his father Rudolf (Sony) and Malcolm Frager (Vivace) have matched his poised, detailed, and emotionally potent playing. In 18 I prefer Peter Serkin slightly to Alfred Brendel (Philips). Less desirable in my view is the recent Richard Goode performance (Nonesuch). Goode is quicker and more aggressive throughout, an approach which works better with the discmate #20. The English Chamber orchestra under Schneider is a great asset in the Peter Serkin readings, more elegant and euphonious than the Marlboro Festival Orchestra in many of the great Rudolf Serkin/Schneider Mozart concerti (the best of which are #10,12,and 17). At budget price,this Peter Serkin/Schneider disc is a must."