Mozart: Piano Concertos 12 & 17

Mozart’s 12th Piano Concerto is one of his sunniest works, and that’s how it’s played here with Brendel’s piano providing the beautifully phrased melodies and, in the Andante, perfectly judged and placed trills. Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra provide the forward motion and sprightly vigor the piece demands but doesn’t always get. The Concerto No. 17 dates from 1784, two years later than its disc mate, and is a more intimate work, with touches of drama in the first movement and a hint of the tragic beneath the graceful surface of the Andante. That movement also sports some fetching wind playing as the orchestra again shines under Mackerras’ baton. These are elegant performances with more than enough energy to keep the works from just being "pretty," making this one of those discs that you’ll want to hear over and over again. -- Dan Davis