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MOZART: Piano Concertos 12+20; German Dances; Prelude & Fugue in C
Rudolf Serkin; English Chamber Orchestra/ Alexander Schneider-BBC 4157-79 minutes
Rudolf Serkin introduced many of us to the joy of Mozart's piano concertos through his pioneering LPs with George Szell and Alexander Schneider (since reissued on three Sony CDs). Although these 1966 monaural concert recordings don't sound as clean or clear as those stereo LPs, it would be impossible to find performances that are more delightful or refreshing.
On Sony Serkin's Concerto 20 was accompanied by the stolid, sometimes impassive George Szell. Here Schneider takes up the baton, and he proves to be a far more sympathetic and supportive partner. The difference is evident right from the start. Szell's exposi- ' tion is breezy, cool, and efficient. Schneider is more...