Murray Perahia - Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 11, 12, 14 (1987)

Mozart broke away from the shackles of his Salzburg life in May of 1781, and these 3 concertos were written shortly thereafter, especially No.11 in F, K.413 and No.12 in A, K.414. Murray Perahia captures the breakaway spirit of Mozart wonderfully in this fine release. K. 413 is quite impressive, filled with many delights. The slow movement of K.414 is based on a theme by his friend and mentor, Johann Christian Bach, who had passed on January 1, 1782. Both first and last movements are bright and lively. Concerto No.14 in E-flat, K.449, was written early in 1784. The success of The Abduction from the Seraglio seemed to inspire Mozart to new dramatic heights, as evidenced by the tension and dramatic changes in the opening movement especially. As always, Perahia and the English Chamber Orchestra provide distinguished accounts of these early Viennese masterpieces. This CD is warmly recommended.