Mozart Piano Concerto 21.

I agree with Megasam, not anyone in particular is really satisfying, so cannot give a enthusiastic recommendation on concerti #'s 20-27, except for # 25. For me, this is Mozart's most unusual composition, as when the orchestra explodes in the last movement. Like nuclear energy! Richter/Bashmet/Teldec label,Moravec/Vlach/Supraphon label, Moravec/Marriner/Hanssler Classics label, and a "new discovery" for me is the 1989 recording of Michelangeli/Garbon/North German R.S.O./DG label($20!!). All of the above are highly recommended, but I have not heard the Michelangeli, could be a winner, but won't know until I hear. Will post a review on these performances in about 3 months.

Tweekerman,

Sorry to have taken so long to respond. Barenboim IS the conductor. It's annoying from two perspectives. First, he's trying to pay attention to two things at the same time. Second, the piano is situated so that he faces the orchestra and has his back to the audience! Sucks, unless you're in the seats behind the orchestra.

Hilary Hahn was here last season, but I was out of town and missed her. Contrary to others, I think she has considerable talent, although is not in the same league as some younger violinists (Tasmin Little, Joshua Bell). I like to see these younger people play so that I can make up my own mind instead of being swayed by those with rather pedantic attitudes.

Buxter,

Some of us like Gilels because he played the MUSIC. He was relatively humble (although I've never met a musician who was truly humble, although George Harrison came close) and connected me to the music via him. Pletnev has the same ability, in my opinion, along with a prodigious talent. Playing by both is (or was, in Gilels case) was warm, sensitive, human....can't explain it any other way.

Same goes for another Russian pianist, Tatiana Nikolayeva (may she RIP).

I'm going to get my ass ripped for saying that any of the above is eminmently preferable to Serkin (father or son).

Different strokes. To me all I hear is notes from the great Gilels. and I was confused, do you mean to say that Tasmin Little and Josh Bell are in a higher league than Hahn??? We have very different ideas about what is a Musician or a Violinist. But I respect your views.

Yes, that's exactly what I mean. I do NOT mean, however, that either of them are peerless; rather, of the "younger" generation, I think they are better than Hahn at this stage of her career (although Bell is starting to slip and his jazzy stuff is ludicrous).

I like Akiko Suwanai better than them all, however. Wish she recorded more.

But this was more about pianists than violinists. You have some thoughts on Pletnev and Nikolayeva? I'm not expecting to agree with you on them, either, but am interested in other's opinions.