Mozart ① Piano Concerto No. 13 in C Major, K. 415 (387b) ② Piano Concerto No. 15 in B-flat Major, K. 450 Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano) Conductor: Cord Garben North German Radio Symphony Orchestra Live recording, January and February 1990 This is a live recording, the second in a series following Michelangeli's first Mozart recordings of Piano Concertos Nos. 20 & 25, which garnered much attention. While Michelangeli's studio recordings are characterized by a refined and flawless performance, this recording is filled with the excitement unique to live performances. This live recording of Mozart presents a new world where the irreplaceable uniqueness of a performance shines, distinct from the perfect and multifaceted sound of his mature years. The included Concertos Nos. 13 and 15 are brilliant and lighthearted masterpieces written during Mozart's Vienna period, when he left Salzburg and became a free musician. Michelangeli's improvisational skills further enhance the music, making it sound more expansive and pleasant. This Mozart performance provides a sense of fulfillment, as if one were listening to a Beethoven piano concerto. Large rubatos are used in places, causing the musical flow to stagnate at times, but within that stagnation, a polished beauty emerges. It is a masterful performance that invites you into a world of dense beauty, making you forget about Mozart himself while experiencing his music. The "beautiful sound" that even Gulda and Gould respect, is placed upon Mozart's notes in this way, bringing a sense of happiness. You can hear a virtuosity as if the piano were playing automatically. There is a "Michelangeli world" that is neither classical nor romantic. This recording is from a performance after Michelangeli recovered from illness, and the sound has a softness, rather than the sharp and clear touch of the past. As a result, it feels as though the beauty has increased, and I think it is a wonderful performance with a charm that makes you want to listen, even though you know you might not be able to go back to ordinary Mozart after hearing such romantic Mozart. Import [Out of Print] 17 Slight scratches on the disc surface, but no playback issues. *Discounts for bulk purchases (please comment beforehand) 150 yen off for each additional item 150 yen off all items for 10 or more items (Discounts for single purchases are not available)