Claudio Abbado - Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 20 & 21/ Friedrich Gulda, pianist

Friedrich Gulda is known to all. He is the musical wizard with the embroidered cap, an artist who is equally at home in jazz, the Vienneses lied or the works of the Viennese Classic. Gulda might have only performed a small number of his Austrian compatriot's 27 piano concertos, but with tese few he certainly created a sensation. That the present recording of the Concertos Numbers 20 and 21, even after 25 years, is still regarded as ranking among the very best performance is something that can be heard after just a few bars. The minor-key piano joins in with almost somber clarity and proceeds to lead a concentrated, tightly enmeshed conversation with the orchestra. The C Major Concerto sparkles brightly with its thrilling, vituoso part-writing and transparent, almost chamber-like instrumental ensemble. The listener will do well here to forget the popular concept of a fun-loving, high-spirited Mozart and to recognize the ardent, passionate side of the composer.

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 20 in D Minor

Allegro

Romance

Rondo

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 21 in C Major, K. 467

Allegro maestoso

Andante

Allegro vivace assai

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.

A Beautiful Piece of Music posted on 07/07/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: James I have come to love the work that Speakers Corner does. Always top notch mastering, always 100% analog. The vinyl is flat and quiet. The cover is of high quality. The sound is crystal clear, balanced and sounds as natural as the day is long. All done with loving respect for this absolute stunner of a recording.

Fantastic Pressing posted on 04/23/2021 5 Stars Reviewer: ETKirsch I put this release on immediately after listening to another DG record and was really struck by the superiority of this release. Which got me wondering "why is this DG release so much better than the other DG release?" The answer: this is a third party reissue of a DG recording by Speakers Corner and boy, do they nail it. Terrific imaging and sound stage, very little background noise, a great example of how beautiful vinyl can sound when properly manufactured. Also love Gulda's performance. Highly recommended.

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