Urgent and ominous, the opening of the D-minor Concerto (K466) makes an arresting start to this ‘first among equals’ rendition with outer movements of fleetness yet poise and musical meaning, displaying a positive connection between soloist and orchestra, interpretatively revealing, and well-balanced sonically. Khatia Buniatishvili chooses Beethoven’s first-movement cadenza for a full-blooded outing, which fits the author and this overall conception of the Concerto, with further storm-cones hoisted in the tempestuous middle section of the slow movement, otherwise effortlessly shaped, as is the Adagio of the A-major work, at genuinely that spacious tempo, affectingly so, with sparkling outer movements (Mozart’s own cadenza in the first) to which the ASMF contributes much, including personable woodwinds. Also the charming C-major Sonata, usually described as “easy” (it isn’t but then I was never a proper pianist) to which Buniatishvili brings a judiciously light touch, observing all repeats, and sustaining the Alberti bass of the middle movement. Sony Classical 19802809282.
Khatia Buniatishvili & Academy of St Martin in the Fields record Mozart Piano Concertos (20/K466 & 23/K488) – and Sonata (K545) – for Sony Classical.
