Customer Reviews

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 in D major; Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have several recordings of these two concerti. None matches Gulda's sheer enjoyment in performing these wonderful works. You can honestly hear this in his presentation. Pure joy!!

Friedrich Gulda must be ranked as one of the most versatile, engaging, admired, innovative and irreverent pianists of the XX Century.

This album is another undeniable evidence of this statement. Accompanied by Abbado and the Vienna Philharmonic, Gulda gives us an incisive and penetrating insight into these two fundamental compositions.

The 20th figures among my six best versions. Interpretative fluency, authoritative conception about the thematic material, Gulda shows us the multiple facets of this extraordinary concert. Its sharp contrasts, whose darkness, brooding and even demoniac in mood is carved in relief by this brilliant artist.

The 21th is played without theatric concessions or even Romantic vision. It's filled of mystery, aristocratic elegance and incorporeal elusiveness, but always keeping this everlasting charm and radiant lyricism that always have featured it.

A wise choice and a cult recording for connoisseurs.

I bought this without even knowing who this pianist is, because it was on a bargain price and with these 2 famous concertos of Mozart's. It was only when I listened to it I realized what a fabulous cd I actually got. Friedrich Gulda's playing is crisp, precise and fabulous!

The quality of a piece, whether art, literature, poetry or music, can only be subjectively assessed based on the individual level of emotion and pure pleasure it evokes. Here, Friedrich Gulda's presentation earns 5 star acclaim. Undergirded by Claudio Abbado's sublime accompaniment, Gulda's obvious, insightful discernment and deft interpretation of Mozart's genius, as reflected in these Concerti, is remarkably accurate I'd say, confirmed by my intense enjoyment of this CD.
The quality of sound produced on this disc brings my antiquated system current with today's standard. Consider the inexpensive price of this CD a minor investment slated to produce major returns over and over again. Usually, this level of satisfaction requires a more substantial outlay. Try it, you'll like it!

I have played this over and over because it's so wonderfully done and is easy to listen to. It's great if you are trying to relax, too.