Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Piano Concerto in E-Flat Major, WoO 4 (reconstructed by Ronald Brautigam) {1784}
Muzio Clementi (1752-1832): Piano Concerto in C Major {1796}
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Piano Concerto No. 5 in D Major, K. 175 {1773}

Those of you who consider the Mozartian era to be the non plus ultra of classical music will feel right at home when listening to this new, cleverly curated collection of late 18th century piano concertos. It brings together early attempts into the 'Concerto for Piano and Orchestra' genre by Mozart and Beethoven (both teenagers at the time), as well as the only piano concerto by Clementi.

Oddly enough, it's the one by Clementi, who according to the booklet notes Mozart referred to as a "charlatan, like all Italians" that I find to be the most innovative. Its compellingly charming slow movement is highly inspired and expressive, and its final Presto movement (short audio clip below) is truly bold for its time. The Concerto in E-Flat Major by Beethoven, sometimes labeled as No. 0, serves as a novelty here as it's rarely performed. Pianist Ronald Brautigam's reconstruction is based on an existing copy of the piano part and piano reduction of the orchestral parts. Brautigam's inclusion and clever use of woodwind instruments is pure Beethoven, as is the more technically advanced piano writing upon which Beethoven extended the possibilities of the instrument, as well as the demands on newly spawned performers of the time.

In this her second recording, Belarusian-Ukrainian pianist Anna Khomichko's refined and expressive touch, combined with clean and articulate phrasing, shores up these underserved works. Notice her brightly accented and firmly contoured delivery within the aforementioned Presto. It bolsters the music and makes it leap off the page. Direct, genuine and unaffected playing - a rarity within today's up-and-coming classical music performers.

Now, about that cover ....