Country : Austria / France Label : Deutsche Grammophon Genres and styles : Classical / Neoclassical Year : 2020

The Messenger

· by Alain Brunet

In this case, the great pianist Hélène Grimaud does not mince her words. The sharpness, ardour, and power of articulation of her performances here defuse any impression of Mozart’s virtuoso elegance, which can also be perceived as an excessively filigreed, one of the most recurrent annoyances among the detractors of the prodigious Viennese composer. That being said, the musician’s clear and forceful discourse throws an interesting light on the works for solo piano on the program. The same attitude is adopted by Grimaud for Concerto No. 20, performed with the impeccable Austrian chamber orchestra Camerata Salzburg. Another special feature of the program is that the Fantasia in D Minor serves as a prelude to the Concerto in D Minor; Grimaud omits the coda and attacks the Piano Concerto directly. We won’t go so far as to label the interpretation a transgression, perhaps more conformist minds will, for Mozart reveals himself here in a different light through Grimaud’s prism. Does it diminish Wolfgang Amadeus’ immanent personality a little, or does it reveal an unsuspected character trait? The choice is yours! The second part of this recording is devoted to a living composer, the Ukrainian Valentin Silvestrov: Two Dialogues With Postscript (in three parts), with chamber orchestra, and The Messenger for solo piano. The classical and romantic references of these quiet, introspective works coexist with postmodern minimalism. Opinions may also be divided, without any lack of taste, as to whether the two galaxies belong to the same universe.

Latest 360 Content

Virée classique 2025 | Beth Taylor sings of love and nature

Virée classique 2025 | Beth Taylor sings of love and nature

Afrikan: a brand new festival of music and culture from Africa is launched

Afrikan: a brand new festival of music and culture from Africa is launched

Domaine Forget 2025 | Schubert’s Winterreise through the fingers and voice of Rachel Fenlon

Domaine Forget 2025 | Schubert’s Winterreise through the fingers and voice of Rachel Fenlon

Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter

Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter

Alice Cooper – The Revenge of Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper – The Revenge of Alice Cooper

Barry Can’t Swim – Loner

Barry Can’t Swim – Loner

Classical Outing 2025 | Pianist Martin Helmchen: Passion and Intensity by the handful

Classical Outing 2025 | Pianist Martin Helmchen: Passion and Intensity by the handful

Classical Spree 2025 | Obiora Ensemble : A concert-feast for the eyes and ears of the whole family!

Classical Spree 2025 | Obiora Ensemble : A concert-feast for the eyes and ears of the whole family!

Tommy Crane/David Binney – The Isle

Tommy Crane/David Binney – The Isle

Orford 2025 | Stick&Bow, a tribute to transgressors

Orford 2025 | Stick&Bow, a tribute to transgressors

Curtis Nowosad – I Am Doing My Best

Curtis Nowosad – I Am Doing My Best

George Crotty Trio – Heart Music

George Crotty Trio – Heart Music

Quatuor Bozzini – Owen Underhill : Songs and Quartets

Quatuor Bozzini – Owen Underhill : Songs and Quartets

Tina Leon – Push & Pull

Tina Leon – Push & Pull

Sean Clarke – A Flower for my Daughter

Sean Clarke – A Flower for my Daughter

English National Opera Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins – Havergal Brian : Agamemnon; Sinfonia tragica; Symphony no 12

English National Opera Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins – Havergal Brian : Agamemnon; Sinfonia tragica; Symphony no 12

The Curious Bards – Sublimation: Songs and dances from 18th-century Scandinavia

The Curious Bards – Sublimation: Songs and dances from 18th-century Scandinavia

Ensemble Masques/Olivier Fortin – Bach, Telemann & Albinoni: Concerti

Ensemble Masques/Olivier Fortin – Bach, Telemann & Albinoni: Concerti

François Leleux/Lisa Batiashvili/Frankfurt Radio Symphony – Future Horizons

François Leleux/Lisa Batiashvili/Frankfurt Radio Symphony – Future Horizons

Nate Mercereau · Josh Johnson · Carlos Niño – Openness Trio

Nate Mercereau · Josh Johnson · Carlos Niño – Openness Trio

Theon Cross – Affirmations: Live At Blue Note New York

Theon Cross – Affirmations: Live At Blue Note New York

Fabia Mantwill Orchestra – In.Sight

Fabia Mantwill Orchestra – In.Sight

Hior Chronik – Apofanie

Hior Chronik – Apofanie

Subscribe to our newsletter