Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ambache Chamber Ensemble, Diana Ambache :: Mozart: Piano Concertos 17, 19, 21 & 25

Another one of those hidden bargains

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 06/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This two-CD set is an incredible deal, combining polished performances with a relatively low price tag. The Ambache Chamber Orchestra (an ensemble I'd never heard of before) shines as its members give performances that amazingly have both a light, "Mozartean" sound and appropriate tautness and power. They provide an excellent backdrop for the worthy playing of Diana Ambache, who (although also relatively unknown) plays through these concertos with a nimble dexterity that leaves no room for mistakes. An added bonus is her solo performances of the Fantasia K. 397 and Adagio K. 540, works that display a completely different side of Mozart--mellow, somber, almost morbid. These pieces make a fantastic juxtaposition with the concertos that take up most of these CDs, and Ambache evidently realizes this, altering her tone and style to fit the mood of each piece. In fact, when the orchestra players are involved, they do this too, subtly changing their approach to each movement. The only quirk I can find with this CD set is the orchestra's tendency to rush ever so slightly in certain parts of the concertos, most notably on descending arpeggios. However, rather than detracting from the overall effect, this serves to heighten it, as the slight rushing provides a reminder of the obvious fun the orchestra and Ambache are having while playing each piece. In short, this CD set was obviously recorded by people who both love music and are extremely adept at playing it. The music contained on these two CDs sounds like music found on much higher-brow, higher-priced CD sets, and it's available for a bargain value. Any Mozart fan (or any classical piano fan in general) shouldn't let this one get away."