Combining the talent of one of the greatest classical pianists alive with the
music of one of the most prolific, admired, and influential composers of all
times — celebrated Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, and Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart (1756–1791) — and having the entire album recorded and produced by the
prestigious Sony Classical records label can only result in real bliss, a sonic
feast for the ears.
اضافة اعلان
The new album, titled Mozart Momentum 1786, follows
a first album in the same vein that was released last year and that was titled
Mozart Momentum 1785. For the orchestral pieces included in both releases,
Andsnes is accompanied by the excellent Mahler Chamber Orchestra.
Mozart’s piano concerto No. 23 in A major opens the
set. How is this one different from the countless other performances and
recordings that already exist in the classical repertoire? It is difficult to
compare it to, for example, the also brilliant interpretation of the same music
by Russian-born American Vladimir Horowitz, which is available on Deutsche
Grammophon. Perhaps the comparison is not even relevant, given the superlative
playing in both cases. But one is tempted.
What is absolutely delightful here is the
crystal-clear sound. Andsnes takes his time and uses a moderate tempo, slightly
slower than that of other known performances, allowing you to hear and enjoy
each note. The second movement in particular, the moving adagio, is one of
Mozart lovers’ favorite pieces amongst the entire huge catalog of the master.
If there is anything in art that is close to
perfection, this performance is. Andsnes does not demonstrate just talent and
virtuosity, he also shows what great taste he has, given his classy, refined
pianistic style. As for the intrinsic sound of the piano used, it is an ideal
balance of bass and treble, of powerful and soft.
Another piano concerto featured on the album is the
haunting No. 24 in C minor, and that is another major reference work by the
celebrated Austrian composer. Since I was a child in love with Mozart’s music,
I used to frequently listen to the version interpreted and recorded by the
great French-German virtuoso Walter Gieseking (1895–1956), with the
accompanying orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan. It has left its mark
on me, the degree of expression and
emotion delivered by Gieseking was truly unique.
Andsnes does not demonstrate just talent and virtuosity, he also shows what great taste he has, given his classy, refined pianistic style. As for the intrinsic sound of the piano used, it is an ideal balance of bass and treble, of powerful and soft.
However, when Gieseking and Karajan recorded the
concerto in the early 1950s, the technology that prevailed would produce
monaural audio only, and the microphones could not capture all that modern
digital equipment can today. The difference is noticeable. Stereophonic records
became available in the early 1960s. Now I would play Andsnes’ new recording
for the ultimate sound quality (and the musician’s superb touch, of course),
and Gieseking’s emotional performance just for “old times sake”.
The piano concerto No. 24 in C minor conjures up a
darker, more dramatic mood than No. 23 in A major. The harmonies of the minor
mode, especially those in the slow second movement, bare Mozart’s typical
imprint, one that would be later felt even stronger in his last major work, the
Requiem.
The album also features a beautiful Recitative and
Aria, sung by German operatic soprano Christiane Karg, the piano quartet No. 2
in E, K493, and the rondo in D, K485.
Andsnes gave the name Mozart Momentum 1785 and 1786
to the series made of the two mentioned albums for a good reason: these were
the years when the composer was at the zenith of his talent, inspiration and
production.
It is impossible to have a precise and unanimous
ranking of the greatest pianists alive, simply because even among experts, opinions
vary and possibly conflict. However, every pundit, every music critic, every
connoisseur, and every sincere music lover would agree that Andsnes is in the
world’s top ten, if not top five.
Mozart has left us a legacy of more than 800
compositions covering virtually all classical genres, though he passed away at
the age of 36. His influence extended to the classical composers who came after
him, all the way to even pop musicians today.
Jean-Claude
Elias is a computer engineer and a classically trained pianist and guitarist.
He has been regularly writing IT articles, reviewing music albums, and covering
concerts for more than 30 years.
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