I really enjoyed yesterday’s 20th Piano Concert, so I’m excited to listen to today’s.
The Recording
I’m listening to the complete piano concertos recording with Alfred Brendel and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields led by Sir Neville Marriner.
Piano Concerto no. 21 in C Maj. K. 467
Allegro Maestoso
- Full orchestra. Trumpets. Timpani.
- All instruments feel well used in intro.
- Feels very uplifting. Happy even.
- Lots of chromatically in piano. Sometimes surprising.
- Sections in minor not-withstanding.
- Sequences are typically good.
- Development features hyper active piano. Takes us on a real journey.
- Huge buildup to cadenza.
- Exciting coda.
Andante
- Strings with mutes.
- This is a well known melody. Not like “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”, but it’s up there.
- Pizzicato strings when piano enters.
- Lovely.
- Uses simply but clear choices to create powerful moments.
Allegro vivace assai
- Use of chromatic to create swirling feeling.
- Very impressive piano playing.
- Some syncopation.
- Fun imitation.
Takeaways
Great from beginning to end. You get many of the things that make Mozart beloved here. Beautiful melodies. Creative and satisfying instrument writing. Virtuosity. Excitement. Little touches here and there that add up to a rich whole.
Until next time.
