Angela Hewitt - Mozart - Piano Concertos Nos. 6, 8 & 9 (2011)

A brilliant specialist in the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach, which she has recorded to great critical acclaim, Angela Hewitt proves herself equally attuned to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in this first installment of the complete piano concertos. While beginning with the Piano Concertos No. 6, No. 8, and No. 9 might be an unusual opening gambit, jumping ahead of the earliest and least compelling concertos, they are still youthful works and more than competent examples of Mozart's budding mastery. Indeed, the Piano Concerto No. 9 in E flat major, "Jenamy" ("Jeunehomme"), is his "coming of age" work, though it shows only the beginnings of Mozart's mature concertante style and promises much greater things to come. Hewitt performs with Orchestra da Camera di Mantova, demonstrating her polished skills and exquisite taste in refined and robust strokes with full-sounding accompaniment. Even though she plays a modern piano and the group isn't a period ensemble, the playing is certainly informed by historical practice and is a delightful mixture of Classical balance, modern instrumental colors, and consummate musicianship. Hyperion's reproduction is first-class, so the sound is clean, fresh, and vibrant, with crisp details and credible presence.