Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 22 & 24

Album review

Jonathan Cohen and Les Violons du Roy team up with Charles Richard-Hamelin for their first Mozart recording together on Analekta, delivering warm and polished performances of the Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat, K. 482, and the Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491, both among the most popular in Mozart's catalog. One may be forgiven for thinking this is a full-on period-style performance, because of the ensemble's long connection with early music, particularly 17th and 18th century opera, though what period traits the music may reveal is subtle, primarily in the vibrato-less strings and the group's chamber forces. Yet between their rich sound and Richard-Hamelin's piano -- not a fortepiano -- the sound is as satisfying as any modern-style or historical practice fans could desire. The recording may account for this effect, making Les Violons du Roy feel twice as large as its small numbers might suggest. Richard-Hamelin's playing is bright and prominent, and a certain Chopinesque quality in his execution, especially in the slow movements, also adds to this "slightly-later" period sound. Listeners will have to decide for themselves what they think about the audio quality, but as far as interpretation goes, the album is a delight from beginning to end.

© TiVo