Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claudio Abbado, Chamber Orchestra of Europe :: Mozart: Piano Concertos [Box Set]

Serkin's last attempt at Mozart

Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 01/20/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Rudolf Serkin was one of the great exponents of the Mozart Piano Concertos, playing many of them at a time when it was not fashionable. His first recordings of this repertoire date from the 78rpm era, continued through the mono and stereo LP eras, and have been reissued multiple times.



It was not until the 1980s, however, that Serkin attempted a complete cycle. He managed to record fifteen of the twenty-seven concertos. It's a pity that Serkin waited so long, for despite an air of authority, much of the playing is ungainly, the passagework uneven, the phrasing inelegant.



Abbado provides a dutiful accompaniment, but stylistically is poles apart from Serkin. To make matters worse, the London Symphony Orchestra (and Chamber Orchestra of Europe in K451) employ a wide string vibrato, certainly out of synch with Mozart performance style, and the balances are bass heavy.



The recorded sound is excellent, and the balance between piano and orchestra realistic. The pianist's grunting and other vocalizations come in loud and clear. Price wise, this is a good value for a seven disc set, but not for the quality of the music making. For those wanting a complete set, Perahia is the preferred choice.

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Great performances and collection

M. Bauer | Colorado | 11/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mozart's piano concertos are, in my opinion, some of his finest compositions. These recordings were made during Serkin's later years. Some might argue with tempos, but Serkin was always a superb Mozart performer. Abbado and the LSO provide excellent support. I happen to enjoy the softer edge and somewhat leisurely tempos found in some of these concertos. Remastering of these recordings provides excellent sound quality. DGs "Collector Series" always offer fine value for the money, and I like how the cardboard sleeves and slim box take up a lot less space than large multi-disc plastic jewel cases.

It pays to investigate a variety of interpretations of these pieces(period performances by Bilcom on Archiv are a nice contrast to these larger, modern accounts), but this set would be a welcome addition for anyone who enjoys these works."