Kristian Bezuidenhout, Gottfried von der Goltz - Mendelssohn: Double Concerto, Piano Concerto (2011) Hi-Res

For those new to Mendelssohn's music, this might look like a recording of some major works of the composer; be aware that they're virtually unknown music of Mendelssohn's early teens, first published in complete form only in 1999. For those already a fan of Mendelssohn, however, they're very intriguing works that show the developing talents of the young composer in a different light than do the set of twelve-string symphonies that are his most frequently performed works of the period. Those pieces are elegant, compact exegeses in Mozartian style, but the two concertos here show Mendelssohn engaging, not with Beethoven (with whom nobody except perhaps Schubert had quite come to grips), but with the expansive structures of Hummel and Carl Maria von Weber. It's remarkable how well he did. The 15-minute first movement of the Piano Concerto in A minor (1822) is a bit diffuse, but the slow movement offers a fine display of Mendelssohn's distinctive melodic gift. Even more striking is the slightly later Double Concerto for piano, violin, and orchestra in D minor. Sample the opening movement up through where the piano and violin enter: you're in a different world from Mozart, and Mendelssohn keeps you completely guessing as to how the relative roles of the soloists are going to develop. Beyond the merits of the music are the splendid performances of the music by historical-instrument specialist Kristian Bezuidenhout, playing a modern American replica of a piano almost exactly contemporaneous with the music, ably supported by the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra under Gottfried von der Goltz (who also plays the violin in the Double Concerto). The balance, the exuberant mood, the still slightly gawky quality of the music: all are just right in a recording tailor-made for giving to someone who really likes Mendelssohn.