Mozart’s (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No. 23 K. 488 was completed on 2 March 1786, while No. 25 K. 503 was finished on 4 December 1786. This recording utilizes a fortepiano built to closely resemble Mozart’s, and an orchestral sound of Mozart’s time. Describing his concertos of this period, Mozart wrote: “These concertos are a happy medium between what is too easy and too difficult; they are very brilliant, pleasing to the ear, and natural, without being vapid. There are passages here and there from which the connoisseurs alone can derive satisfaction; but these passages are written in such a way that the less learned cannot fail to be pleased, though without knowing why.” Piano Concerto No. 25, regarded as among M’s greatest works, opens with a noble declamation, followed by affects of espessivo, dolce and schezando, and concludes with grand heroism. The 2nd mvmt is tranquil, reflective. The 3rd mvmt displays wit and hits of passion, with a blaze of glory in the coda. The 1st mvmt of Piano Concerto No. 23 gives us fluent melodic invention and glorious harmonic modulations. The 2nd mvmt is painfully sad. The 3rd mvmt is brilliant and witty. (Thanks to G. Lemco)