Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with the captivating album "Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20, Symphony No. 39 & 9 Variations on a Minuet by Duport." Released on May 27, 2022, under ICA Classics, this exquisite collection showcases some of Mozart's most celebrated works, performed with unparalleled grace and precision by the legendary Clara Haskil, accompanied by the esteemed Philharmonia Orchestra under the direction of Herbert von Karajan.
The album opens with the enchanting Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466, a piece that masterfully blends dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty. The concerto's three movements—Allegro, Romanza, and Allegro assai—are each a testament to Mozart's genius, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and technical virtuosity.
Following the concerto, the album presents the majestic Symphony No. 39 in E-Flat Major, K. 543. This symphony, composed in 1788, is a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, known for its grandeur and sophistication. The four movements—Adagio - Allegro, Andante con moto, Menuetto - Trio, and Finale—exemplify Mozart's ability to craft music that is both deeply expressive and structurally impeccable.
The album concludes with the 9 Variations on a Minuet by Duport, K. 573, a delightful display of Mozart's inventive genius. These variations, based on a minuet by the cellist Jean-Pierre Duport, showcase Mozart's remarkable ability to transform a simple theme into a series of dazzling musical explorations.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical masterpieces that will captivate both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to Mozart's music. Whether you're in the mood for the dramatic intensity of the Piano Concerto No. 20, the grandeur of the Symphony No. 39, or the playful ingenuity of the Variations on a Minuet by Duport, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.