Mitsuko Uchida - Mozart: The Piano Concertos (8CD) (2006)

There is little need to here further describe Uchida's mastery of the Mozart repertoire: Uchida has repeatedly impressed the world with performances that are the results of years and years of intense practice and her detailed reflection on Mozart's musical gems. This particular set of recordings, a complete cycle of all of Mozart's Piano Concertos in 2006, is certainly reflective of Uchida's accomplishment: the set is a stellar recording that should not be missed by nearly anyone who loves the "27" piano concertos.

I own--and have come to love--two previous complete sets of Mozart's Piano Concertos, both of which are also not to be missed. First, the famed recordings of Bilson on Deutsche Grammophon's "Archive" label (Mozart: The Piano Concertos) and second, the truly amazing set by Perahia (Mozart: Complete Piano Concertos). It can be somewhat counterproductive to explain and defend why such sets can be considered among the best, due to the divergence of opinions of what makes a set truly "great." In my own mind, Bilson's cycle sets a standard in great playing on a period instrument, with an excellent recording and a fantastic performance by Gardiner and The English Baroque Soloists; and Perahia's cycle, though perhaps not sonically recorded as well as Bilson's, reveals a remarkable interpretive and skillful playing by Perahia that is unique to this performer. I've listened to both of these recordings for years and years, and have come to know them well.

Nevertheless, Uchida achieves what is truly a remarkable outcome, and that is to have her cycle rightly included with those such as Perahia's and Bilson's. Her playing is remarkably perfected, her skill at handling even the most difficult passages crafted to meet and exceed all expectations, and her interpretation of the pieces is largely transparent (meaning that we are not continually reminded that so-and-so is performing, but rather, can just listen to Mozart himself). I was somewhat surprised to be able to come to this conclusion due to the high bar that I knew already existed, but I have to admit Uchida meets it well, and deserves (and receives) her status amongst the best Mozart performers).

The technical sound recording here is also very good. There is a high dynamic range, no noticeable background noise, and the sound stage seems to be well defined. Performance by Tate and The English Chamber Orchestra is consistently excellent.

We can also add one other amazing this about this set. It is remarkably inexpensive. The set can currently be had from Amazon at just a tad above thirty dollars, which is truly amazing, when one considers what the set represents.

This is an easy five star recommendation for those just beginning to explore Mozart's wonderful Piano Concertos or those who have previously explored some of the other great cycle recordings. The price makes is a six star recommendation.