Mozart: Piano Concerto No 15 in B Flat Major

This will surely rank as one of the most pleasing of all Mozart’s many and varied works, quite sublime and wholly appropriate for a summers evening of relaxation!

Oft quoted from Mozart the composer to his father, “both (Nos 15 and 16) are bound to make the performer sweat; but the B flat one beats the one in D for difficulty”. Many pianists and commentators have noted that No 15 is one of the more difficult of his Piano Concertos. The work is orchestrated for solo piano, flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns and strings.

1. Allegro
2. Andante in E-flat major
3. Allegro

Mozart reached his peak as a virtuoso pianist between 1784 and 1786, a period that saw him composing some 12 Piano Concertos (Nos 14-25). Numbers 15 and 16, which are generally coupled together on CD were penned within one week in March 1784. As a lay-listener I am astounded at this and full of admiration for this gifted and prolific composer.

I cannot over enthuse about the performances of Murray Perahia and the English Chamber Orchestra, indeed is there really any better exponent of Mozart’s Piano Concertos? One review of this Concerto stated “Perahia’s interpretation of the hunting horn third movement is the closest thing to perfect Mozart on the piano I have ever heard”.

Recommended CDs:

• Mozart Piano Concertos Nos 15 and 16 with Murray Perahia and the English Chamber Orchestra
• Mozart Piano Concertos Nos 15 and 16 with Mitsuko Uchida and the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jeffrey Tate.

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