Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos Vol. 1

This pair of discs, very well and naturally recorded in the mid to late 1980's, is one of a group of such pairs which together encompass the 'great' piano concertos of Mozart played by this team. Both Uchida and Perahia in his total survey are partnered by the excellent English Chamber orchestra, the main difference being that Perahia leads them himself and Uchida has the attentive presence of Jeffrey Tate as the totally sympathetic conductor.Both soloists play with impeccable taste and style which falls absolutely within the remit of the Classical period. However there are differences in touch and phrasing which are worth considering. In general I think it is fair to say that Perahia brings a slightly more forceful tone to bear throughout whereas Uchida has a more rounded, gentler touch. Perahia is slightly crisper in his articulation and Uchida is a touch more legato. These are very tiny differences and should not be exaggerated as these players are really providing very similar interpretations, just different sides of the same coin.The presence of Tate as a conductor on this set is another significant difference as he ensures a greater degree of dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra and generally the orchestral contribution is more involving. This is not so much accompanying as partnering.Without wishing to be in any way trite or controversial, I would be tempted say that the difference is a gender one - that of a masculine and feminine approach to the same viewpoint. It is as small but as noticeable as that. Tate is an advantage in so far as he enables the interplay of orchestral dialogue to be that little more interactive with the piano. This is a matter of balance that is easier for a conductor to encourage than the soloist who must, by definition, be otherwise engaged a great deal of the time.In my disc collection I have both Perahia and Uchida as equal reference sets with various other contributions of note represented by the likes of Curzon, Imogen Cooper and Anderszewski. This is my personal choice of balance and as such I avoid making choices between Perahia and Uchida whom I view as equals in terms of musical satisfaction.In conclusion therefore, I would strongly suggest that these recordings by Uchida deserve to be considered with the very best when it comes to potential choices for purchase.

This is beautiful Mozart playing both by the orchestra and the soloist. The book of Proverbs says that " oil and perfume make the heart glad" I would gladly substitute 'music' for 'oil and perfume' and here there is a generous measure of gladness, pressed down and running over. Anyone wishing an introduction to Mozart's Great Piano Concertos can buy this with confidence and, unless they don't like Mozart's music, will find it a constant and continuing delight. Those with particular views of how the music should be played will find a plus here and a minus there, but I find these things are often minutiae and tell us more about the views and taste of the commentator than of the performance. As an instance of this, the Penguin Guide speaks of Uchidas's playing here as being like Dresden china and at a times a little over civilised. Well, I can take her civilised playing endlessly. If someone wants just one recording of this music, Uchida and Tate will stand comparison with many and the competition in this is very strong - Barenboim, Schiff, Perahia, Brendel, Ashkenazy. I would be very happy to have this as my only recording of these concertos but, in the end, I reserve the last star for my own favourites, Ashkenazy and Brendel. But then, that's just my view of it!

This double CD collection has some of Mozart's best ever piano concertos, all well executed by the brilliant Mitsuko Uchida and the equally brilliant English Chamber Orchestra under Jeffrey Tate. However, the recording is a little on the soft side and you have to really turn it up to enjoy the full glory of the concertos,hence only the 4 stars. Might have something to do with these being remastered recordings. Will still thoroughly recommend.

These recordings were made in 1988/9, (in DDD format , but at that time probably 16bit 44khz) and reissued on these discs. Tne interpretation is delightful , and as I have a copy of the TV series 'Simply Mozart' by the same artists I bought these discs to complete the series.

I've been trying to find some really good music to listen to while working / studying and finally I've found this! It's amazing to listen to while trying to concentrate on something as it gives some very pleasant background music while not being distracting. Only wish I'd listened to this years ago.

I ordered Mozart The Great Piano Concertos (Mitsuko Uchida), Volume 1 to 3 from the same vendor. The shipment came to Canada from UK. It took a few weeks, but the products are very good. I enjoy them very much.

Uchida is not to be underestimated. But I prefer Brendel. (I should add that this is probably the opinion of a person brought up on Brendel's work and unable to re-adjust.)

Classic Philips classical music double disc, worth collecting, great value