MOZART PIANO CONCERTOS 11-13 Novák/Wihan

Released this month on Nimbus Alliance Records, Mozart’s intimate ‘quattro’ versions of his three Vienna piano concerti arranged for quartet or string orchestra (though never written for full orchestra). This album features the unsurprisingly award-winning Czech pianist Matyáš Novák alongside compatriots the Wihan Quartet.

Photo: Lenka Hatašová

Performed in a natural and fluid style, and without sentimentality, the studio production is as crystal-clear as to be invigorating. Novák’s playing is in turns crisp and gently assured, and always in perfect balance with the full-bodied strings. And yet, this is a warm and intimate recording. The second movement of Concerto No. 11 is both melodious and mellifluous, the performers’ exacting balance never overplayed. Its closing minuet belies an artful variation of tone.

Similarly enlivened, and thus reenergised, it seems as if Concerto No. 12 could have been written yesterday. A welcome lightness of touch compliments its compositional structure. The ‘uplifting-ness’ of Allegro (first movement) is accentuated by its insistent rising phrases, seemingly never-ending, but of course do – on a high. The Andante (second movement) is graceful and soulful, forever incurring the composer’s emotive reflection upon his mentor.

Photo: Lenka Hatašová

Concerto No. 13 commences with dance-like elements, repetitive never repetitious, and simultaneously calm and soothing. In a measured second movement, the Wihan Quartet draw-out true depths of colour. This follows Novák’s gorgeous ad libitum, inferring a false slowing of pace, whilst his closing cadenza imparts a responsive individualism. The pared-down arrangement ensures that, particularly via a contemporary lens, the music is re-heard.

The wonderful talent comprising Wihan Quartet is: Leoš Čepický on first violin, Jan Schulmeister on second violin, Jakub Čepický on viola, and Michal Kaňka on cello.

– Martin Slidel



#Amadeus #ClassicalMusic #ClassicalReview #LenkaHatašová #MartinSlidel #MartinSlidelMusic #MatyášNovák #Mozart #MozartPianoConcerto11 #MozartPianoConcerto12 #MozartPianoConcerto13 #MusicReview #NewCD #NewRelease #NimbusAllianceRecords #Piano #PianoConcerto #StringQuartet #WihanQuartet

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