The origins of these concertos, performed here by Kristian Bezuidenhout, may each be traced to a woman. The so-called “Jeunehomme” Concerto, K. 271, a vehicle for rather unexpected musical daring, could instead take its nickname from the work’s dedicatee: the piano virtuoso Louise Victoire Jenamy, daughter of Mozart’s old friend, the dancer Noverre. As for K. 456, cast in a more traditional mould yet so elaborate and seductive, it was apparently composed for Maria Theresia von Paradis, a blind pianist acclaimed throughout Europe. Two works distinctly different in character, while somehow being aptly complementary…
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART [1756-1791]
Piano Concerto No. 9 "Jeunehomme" K. 271
E-flat major / Mi bémol majeur / Es-Dur
· I. Allegro (10'33)
· II. Andantino (11'28)
· III. Rondeau. Presto (10'52)
Piano Concerto No. 18 K. 456
B-flat major / Si bémol majeur / B-Dur
· I. Allegro vivace (12'04)
· II. Andante un poco sostenuto (9'46)
· III. Allegro vivace
Cadenzas by Kristian Bezuidenhout (8'23)