RUDOLF BUCHBINDER, FORTEPIANO, NIKOLAUS HARNONCOURT, CONDUCTOR, CONCENTUS MUSICUS WIEN; Mozart, Piano Concertos Nos. 23 and 25 (Sony Classical) ****
Two musical legends join forces on this CD: pianist Rudolf Buchbinder, the foremost interpreter of Mozart’s music, as well as that of the 19th century; and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, one of the last of the truly great conductors and a pioneer in historically accurate performances. The result of this collaboration is an album that is spectacular and an eye opener.
It’s spectacular because of the depth of interpretation, the broad palette of expressions and the musicality and artistry of the two musicians.
And it’s an eye opener because it gives listeners a new way of hearing these two well known works: Buchbinder plays on a modern copy of a late 18th century fortepiano, and he’s accompanied by Harnoncourt’s Concentus Musicus Wien, the preeminent period instrument orchestra for the past 60 years.
What is striking in these performances is the much softer tones from the fortepiano and also from the orchestra. Missing is the brilliance of sound that modern instruments have. But that is more than made up by these two artists’ perceptive approach that delves into the music and brings out the subtleties that often fall to the wayside in most modern performances.
In the Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488, Buchbinder and Harnoncourt capture the delicacy and exquisitely crafted lyricism of the music with their beautifully shaped phrases. This is one of Mozart’s lightest and most infectious piano concertos and both capture this in their perceptive interpretation.
The other concerto on the album, No. 25 in C major, K. 503, is cut from a different cloth. It’s majestic and noble and Buchbinder and Harnoncourt bring out the forceful character of the opening movement wonderfully, while infusing their interpretation of the tender slow movement with seamless lyrical fluidity.
The finale incorporates characteristics of the two preceding movements and Buchbinder and Harnoncourt imbue their account with energy and passion.
This is an absolutely stunning album that deserves a place in anyone’s CD collection.