Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 21 & 22 - Christian Ihle Hadland
4 February 2013, 16:20 | Updated: 5 February 2013, 10:42
Two of Mozart's best piano concertos given a new lease of life in a fresh new interpretation by Christian Ihle Hadland and the Oslo Philharmonic. John Suchet's Album of the Week, 4 February 2013.
Where sometimes the well-known middle movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan') risks becoming an exercise in wading through musical treacle, Hadland's refreshingly speedy interpretation injects some of the composer's signature cheeky charm back into the piece. The sense of ensemble is impeccable throughout - as the horns echo the piano, or the piano echoes the strings, you can almost see the twinkle of joy in Mozart's eye as the cheery tunes are bounced effortlessly between each section of the orchestra.
Christian Ihle Hadland's piano solos are edgy and characterful, but other members of the orchestra are given the time to shine in this brilliant recording. Listen out for Mozart's trademark horn lines glowing through the orchestral textures, or even a swelling oboe duet or an unexpected flutter of a flute. Every repeated listen to every movement will uncover another musical surprise.
A delightfully pithy album of concertos, bringing Mozart's piano music to life.
