Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Szell, Columbia Symphony Orchestra :: Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 19 & 20

Mozart piano at it's finest!

William J. Finn | Sarasota Florida | 12/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I bought this CD to hear Serkin and Szell's take on the famous d minor concerto, it is really the F major one (number 19) that is the iceing on this CD. Simply one of the finest examples of Mozart recorded. Nothing, absolutely nothing is out of balance. The Columbia Symphony plays superbly for Szell and Serkin is completely in sync with them. The recording was made with such clarity in 1961, that it still rivals most current digital versions, and performance-wise, leaves them in the dust.



You have Serkin's almost unnatural ability to play the keys with an even weight, plus his beautiful touch, always each note very distinct and measured. And Szell giving the same weight to the orchestral soloists.



As I mentioned, I purchased this CD to hear the Serkin/Szell performance of the d minor concerto, which I can also say is just as good, but there are a few equally good recordings of this famous work (but none in the price range).



But the radiant performance of the F major concerto truly makes this a must buy CD. As an extra, the Second Rondo for piano and orchestra is included."