Christian Zacharias is a well know name in pianistic circles and if this first issue is anything to go by, then we are in for an intriguing and intellectually stimulating Mozart concerto cycle.
My benchmark in these ethereal works remains Géza Anda, also conducting from the keyboard with the Camerata Academica Mozarteum in Salzburg. His KV595 fairly bounces along with great rhythmic vitality although the rather dull sound is an occasional let down.
Zacharias and his Lausanne players definitely have a close rapport with each other as is evident in the vast opening movement of KV595. The synchronization between keyboard and orchestra is also evident in the hectic Finale which is almost Curzon like in its poetic intensity.
KV482 also has similar qualities with Zacharias looking for intimacy and relishing the solo parts with evident gusto although he never loses control of the orchestra. Personally, I prefer him to Barenboim and Ashkenazy in this particular work.
MD&G's recordings are, as usual, excellent and I am eagerly awaiting further volumes in what looks to be a fine series.
Copyright © 2003, Gerald Fenech