Having truly disliked Leif Ove Andsnes’ previous, irritating way with Haydn’s piano concertos with these same forces, it’s delightful to be able to report that everything goes swimmingly on this excellent new Mozart disc. First of all, the coupling is very smart: these two concertos are scored for almost identical forces (No. 18 has a flute, but otherwise it’s just horns, bassoons, oboes, and strings in both). Second, they contain Mozart’s two most moving minor-key slow movements, and Andsnes plays them both exquisitely.
The dark Andantino of the Ninth concerto has great concentration and poetry, with exceptional sensitivity in the cadenza just before the end, while the theme and variations of Concerto No. 18 never sags. Andsnes is particularly attentive to the evocative harmonic coloration of the theme’s second half, gently emphasizing Mozart’s expressive dissonances through subtle left-hand articulation that (unlike his Haydn) never sounds merely arch. He also isn’t afraid to take a back seat to the wind players whenever they have important solos, and they do play beautifully.
Indeed, this is orchestral “chamber music” of the highest quality. The Norwegian ensemble clearly takes note of period-performance practice, playing with minimal vibrato but no lack of warmth, and happily with a confidence that allows Andsnes to keep his hands on the keyboard and worry about his own part rather than theirs. In the outer movements of both concertos tempos are lively, with the piano’s tone nicely in scale with the size of the orchestral forces. Andsnes sets an ideal pace for the central minuet episode in the finale of Concerto No. 9, and in the first movements of both concertos his cadenzas are perfectly timed. His trills too, particularly in decrescendo, are breathtaking.
Sonically EMI captures the players in perfect balance, with plenty of openness and sparkle to the piano tone. In every respect this is an exceptionally well planned and well played release, one that any listener who loves these concertos will not want to miss. Let’s hope that there’s more to come. At this level of accomplishment, Andsnes and his team needn’t fear competition from anyone. [10/25/2004]
