For research purposes and good old-fashioned curiosity, I looked for past recordings of the Orchestre de chambre de Paris, which accompanies Anne Queffélec in this Mozart Piano Concertos album. In a 2022 review of Mendelssohn’s piano concertos with the then-Music Director, the late Lars Vogt, David McConnell speaks about the orchestra’s “(…) chamber-music like intimacy and sensitivity they brought to their performances, a sign that they really listen to one another”. These same qualities were present for their Mozart piano concertos album with Vogt (no. 9 & 24) and are certainly present here.
Check offerings of Anne Queffélec’s new album on Amazon.
The opening bars of K. 466 have an ominous mood and a sense of shadowed tension right from the outset. The timpani and brass are punctual and sharp, adding to the dramatic effect. As an ensemble, the orchestra has little to fault with, including a superb solo and group playing of the woodwind and their coordination with the soloist. Nothing is improper or out of style as far as a Mozart piece is concerned.
The problem is that, while Queffélec’s pianism is exceptional, her distinct sound doesn’t always sit well with the strings’ lean and period-informed style of playing. The recording doesn’t help either; it places the piano forward in a way that sometimes covers the orchestra’s sections.
If you can overcome these qualms, there are many things to enjoy on repeated listening; Queffélec’s profound understanding of musical phrasing has always been a hallmark of her playing, and in Mozart’s music nothing is more important. The phrasing goes hand in hand with individual players in the orchestra, with the help of conductor Lio Kuokman, who keeps all participants in full coordination. Queffélec adds lovely ornamentation when the sometimes-sparse score calls for it (especially in the slow movements), and in the D Minor incorporates cadenzas by Alfred Brendel instead of the often used cadenzas by Beethoven.
Several recent chamber orchestra renditions of the D Minor concerto are strong alternatives, including Jean-Efflam Bavouzet with the Manchester Camerata, Leif Ove Andsnes with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and Jeremy Denk with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. These interpretations excel in integrating the soloist and ensemble, even if they might not necessarily rival Queffélec’s pure pianism.
The more intimate Piano Concerto No. 27 (K. 595) showcases a greater level of ensemble cohesion. Here, the synchronization between the orchestra sections indicates meticulous attention to detail during the interpretation. But the piano once again sounds a bit overwhelming compared to the lean strings, even if Queffélec doesn’t incorporate particularly forceful playing. This brings to mind Alfred Brendel’s later Mozart recordings with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Sir Charles Mackerras. While Brendel’s powerful approach wasn’t necessarily the most natural fit for a chamber orchestra setting, the Scottish strings offered a fuller sound compared to the present recording. In the slow movement, a richer orchestral tapestry with a more robust string foundation would have further complemented Queffélec’s exquisite solo performance. For a concerto interpretation that prioritizes a more unified sonic character, I would recommend turning to Maria João Pires with Claudio Abbado and Orchestra Mozart.
The accompanying booklet features insightful (though sometimes awkwardly translated) commentary by Queffélec on Mozart and the music. Listeners primarily interested in Queffélec’s piano playing might find the slightly subdued presence of the orchestra less of a concern than I did.
Recommended Comparisons
Piano Concerto No. 20: Andsnes | Bavouzet | Denk | Levin (fortepiano)
Piano Concerto No. 27: Pires | Gilels | Goode | Brendel
Check offerings of Anne Queffélec’s new album on Amazon.
Album Details |
|
|---|---|
| Album name | Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 20 (K. 466) & 27 (K. 595) |
| Artist | Anne Queffélec – Piano |
| Artist | Orchestre de Chambre de Paris |
| Artist | Lio Kuokman – Conductor |
| Label | Mirare |
| Catalogue No. | MIR686 |
| Amazon link | Buy here |
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