Mozart: Piano Concertos 20 & 24

Although Brendel seems to rerecord his entire repertory every leap year, he doesn't always just repeat himself. These performances show definite changes from his most recent versions (with Marriner and his Academy). The playing is tauter, more pointed, and at the same time more spontaneous-sounding--an impression furthered by the pianist's occasional additions to Mozart's score, which sound authentic. He also plays his own cadenzas, which may not be brilliant but they do have the virtue of sounding unfamiliar--as Mozart's cadenzas always did when he improvised them. One major rival for this disc comes from Philips; Uchida seems even more urbane and subtle than Brendel, and Tate's English Chamber Orchestra sounds less beefy than the Scottish ensemble here. And if you want improv, and a period instrument, don't miss Levin's brilliant recordings for Decca. But if you're interested in Brendel's latest takes on these masterpieces, you'll find this disc thoroughly rewarding. --Leslie Gerber