Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Roger Norrington, Camerata Salzburg :: Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 16; Concerto in D major for Violin & Piano; Violin Sonata in G major

A Mozart Tour-de-Force

Charles Richards | Los Angeles, CA | 03/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the things that Roger Norrington learned while leading the now (alas) defunct London Classical Players, the most important was how to make an orchestra sing. And sing it does on this excellent new release from Warner Classics.

Years of studying the sound of period instruments and carefully researching period performance practice have honed Norrington's skills to a remarkable degree. I doubt that any other conductor could have achieved the effects Norrington does with the Camerata Salzburg - a unique fusion of style; definitely a modern orchestra, but without the heavy-handedness that can usually be found in hearing Mozart on modern instruments. In this recording, Mozart's music sounds as fresh and new as the on the day it was written, and a good deal of the credit must go to Norrington.

The soloists here are above top rate as well. I was originally interested in this recording because of violinist Daniel Hope, having greatly admired his recent work for Warner. And he doesn't disappoint here, either, showing his usual thoughtful musicianship and glowing virtuosity. The pianist, Sebastian Knauer, was new to me, but, I must admit, I am now a fan of his sensitive and dramatic, though never overbearing, artistry.

The program itself should be of interest to the Mozart aficianado as well. Besides the (strangely) seldom heard 16th piano concerto, we have the lovely sonata K379, and a world premiere recording of a "lost" concerto for violin and piano, re-constructed by Philip Wilby. Wilby makes a fairly convincing case for his "completion" in the liner notes, although, I'm sure, many Mozart scholars will have reservations. However, a good deal of the piece is authentic Mozart, and is fascinating to hear, even if one is inclined toward skepticism.

All-in-all a disc which should provide pleasure to both the Mozart lover and the casual listener as well. Let us hope that this will not be Norrington's last recording with the Camerata Salzburg."

A very good performance of three of Mozart's lesser known wo

Ralph B. Latchaw Jr. | Rio Rancho, NM, USA | 01/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The performance of all three works was very good. I can't understand why Mozart's Piano Concerto No 16 is a "lesser known work." If more people listened to it, it would be one of the regular concert pieces like the Piano Concerto No. 22.



The Concerto in D Major for Violin and Piano was never completed by Mozart during his lifetime. However, it was partially finished to the point that Philip Wilby could reconstruct the remainder of the concerto. The result is a great double concerto which I like very much. I invite everyone to listen to this great restored work rather than the fragment which was on some earlier recordings."