Mozart: Piano Concertos No 19 & 27 / Haskil, Fricsay
Clara Haskil, who died in 1960, was a connoisseur's pianist. She specialized in the Classical era and rarely played showpieces. Her relatively few recordings are still treasured by collectors. These two Mozart Concerti, seconded by a fine conductor, are so subtly played they sound almost dull at first; they certainly aren't recommended to people who like their Mozart boisterous. Listened to with respect, the performances--and the music--gradually reveal their secrets. The Sonata, recorded in stereo, is beautifully performed and more vivid in sound.--Leslie Gerber