Mitsuko Uchida plays Mozart Piano Concertos

This coming weekend, pianist Mitsuko Uchida will join the Cleveland Orchestra for performances in Severance Hall of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto.  Less than a year ago, she was both soloist and conductor with that orchestra playing two concertos by Mozart.  Those concerts are the source of this brand-new release by a Mozart specialist who is world-renowned for her approach, both cerebral and passionate, and for the grace of her touch.  The Times of London noted her “embodying Mozart’s recollections of joy and sorrow with dancing subtlety and love.”

The concerts took place in December 2008, as part of Uchida’s collaboration with the Cleveland Orchestra playing all the Mozart concertos at Severance Hall.  Seated facing the orchestra, she engaged the small, rearranged orchestra in a performance that demonstrates the excitement and immediacy of a live concert.  It’s a beautiful, chamber-like musical discussion that allows each voice to be heard at its best.