Piano Concerto in C major, K. 415/387b
Piano Concerto in B-flat major, K. 238

Generally speaking, what makes the music of Mozart so compelling and beguiling to practically everyone, is its sense of unfettered joy and youthful elation in the fast outer movements, and its flowing elegance and gracefulness within the slow movements. Except for a handful of works that touch on the human condition, most of his music seems to reflect a higher than ideal fantasy not rooted in reality, and this certainly includes all of his Piano Concertos.

American pianist Anne-Marie McDermott well projects this sense of emotional freedom, and displays a technique that emphasizes lightness and agility (without the prissy affectation of most pianists), as well as perfect dynamic balance between both hands. Passages where one hand echoes the other are particularly clear and precisely weighted. The Danish Odense Symphony Orchestra and conductor Scott Yoo follow McDermott's lead and deliver an animated and sprightly account as well.

This is Volume 1 of a projected Mozart Piano Concerto cycle released on Bridge Records, the label which has been home for Anne-Marie McDermott for over ten years, and from which every previous recording have come highly recommended. If you are looking to embark on a new overview of the Mozart concertos, add this cycle to your to-do list.