This is the third instalment in Zacharias' rather excellent Mozart piano concerto cycle on MD&G and it is turning out to be a very viable and laudable alternative as a modern series.
Pianist and orchestra are in perfect harmony together, especially in KV 453 which sings quite magically especially in that harmonious Andante. The strings are particularly luscious in their ensemble, especially in the concluding Finale of the same concerto, quite comparable to other legendary greats such as Géza Anda and Clifford Curzon.
KV 456 is altogether on a grander scale and the triumphant overtones of the opening Allegro vivace set the tone of the interpretation which is quite heroic. Zacharias and his Lausanne players get to the heart of the matter especially in the Andante un poco sostenuto whilst the concluding Allegro vivace is also spirited in the extreme.
Recordings are very well balanced with the SACD sound especially impressive when split into six separate channels. Seasoned collectors and newcomers to these magical works should not hesitate in making this essential purchase.
Copyright © 2008, Gerald Fenech