Mozart: Piano Concertos Vol. 2 – Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

   in Piano International (Nov, 2017)
Mozart’s Concerto in E-flat K449 deserves more outings, especially when performed as well as this: Bavouzet seems to have even more energy than the orchestra. Arguably the central Andantino is slower than this tempo marking might imply, but it leads to a stylish finale. The two Divertimentos are pure joy in sound, and all credit to the violins of the Manchester Camerata for their articulation: vim, wit and grace are here in roughly equal measure, the slow movement of K138 in particular reaching unexpected profundity.

The well-known K459 is sprightly and fresh, with delightful give-and-take between orchestra and soloist. The finale scampers wonderfully in one of the best performances available; Mozart’s …