Friedrich Gulda, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Nikolaus Harnoncourt - Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos 23 & 26 (2006)

This is the more recent re-issue, and much cheaper version, of an older issue of the same recording.
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra directed by Harnoncourt and Friedrich Gulda brought off some finest Mozart playing in the two late concerti - No. 23 and No. 26.
There are numerous No. 23 recordings. This one is among the top ones. However, the less popular No. 26 is the one that steals the show in this recording. As always, Gulda's Mozart is lively and engaging, abounding in energy and drama, at the same time fully lyrical and translucent in the lighter passages. Wit and humour abound, throwing shades of light on those facets of the composer who was less than completely presented by most interpretors.
The third movement of the No. 23 is a real joy to listen to. Harnoncourt and Gulda seemed to have a tacit understanding on this movement on every twist and turn, and the result was the yielding of one of the best ever performances of this movement.
Gulda himself had recorded this Concerto with the NDR Sinfonia Orchestra under his own direction. In my view, this later recording with Harnoncourt is yet another great,though different, rendition of this familiar piece by this ultra-expert of Mozart.