Mozart: Piano Quartets K. 478 & K. 493

[aligreto]

I have just finished a survey of my rather limited collection of the Mozart Piano Quartets. I have searched and I can find no thread devoted to these two works which I really enjoy. I find these two works to be somewhat contrasting in terms of character but both are equally enjoyable listening experiences and both illustrate the essence of Mozart's chamber music writing most admirably.

These two works frequently come paired and the versions of this pairing that I have in my collection are as follows:

Amadeus Quartet/Curzon [Decca]
Ax/Stern/Laredo/Ma [Sony]
Mozartian Players [Harmonia Mundi]
Shiokawa/Hobarth/Perenyi/Schiff [Decca]

Individually I also have:

K. 478: Brendel/Duven/Zehetmair/Zimmermann [Philips]
K. 493: Alban Berg Quartet/Brendel [EMI]


Although I do not have any over-riding favourites here I do enjoy listening to the Ax/Stern/Laredo/Ma a lot. The other one that holds a special place for me is the Shiokawa/Hobarth/Perenyi/Schiff version. It was my first version and this is a period performance with a bit of a difference. Schiff plays Mozart's own fortepiano, Yuuko Shiokawa plays Mozart's own violin and Erich Hobarth plays what is believed to be Mozart's  own viola; surely a truly period soundworld!

Although I am perfectly happy with all of the above and am not particularly seeking recommendations for further purchases I would be interested to see what other versions are enjoyed by members. All comments are also most welcome.

[Jo498]

I do not think I have heard any of the ones you mentioned. The Naxos recording is actually very good. It is on modern instruments but lean and fleet. On period instruments I have Festetics/Badura-Skoda which is fairly "dark and dramatic", maybe lacking in elegance (check for older issues that might be cheaper) and a leaner one with Van Oort and others (on Brilliant/Columns Classics). I have a few more on modern instruments but would have to listen again to say more. I am not sure I ever heard one I found downright bad.

[asin]B00000FYA1[/asin][asin]B000050K29[/asin] [asin]B001VLGMFO[/asin]

[aligreto]

[asin]B000050K29[/asin]

I have already Wish Listed this one with van Oort because I own a very good cycle of the Mozart Piano Sonatas performed by him.
Thank you for that 

I am not sure I ever heard one I found downright bad.

No doubt helped by the quality of the music 

[Herman]

These are two top Mozart works. I have had the pairing recorded by the the Beaux Arts Qt with Bruno Giuranna on viola, recorded in 1983 (Philips) and members of the Eder Quartet with Dezso Ranki, available quite cheap on Apex.

I have a sneaking suspicion that no matter who performs this piece, you can't go wrong.

[aligreto]

These are two top Mozart works. I have had the pairing recorded by the the Beaux Arts Qt with Bruno Giuranna on viola, recorded in 1983 (Philips) and members of the Eder Quartet with Dezso Ranki, available quite cheap on Apex.

I have a sneaking suspicion that no matter who performs this piece, you can't go wrong.

Thank you for that Herman; I do like the Beaux Arts Qt.
Obviously I agree with your suspicion above 

[Jo498]

I also have/used to have the two Herman mentions. I got rid of the BeauxArts when slimming down years ago, but it is also quite good in a "mainstream" way (which might be a good alternative to the HIP readings). The Eder/Ranki might not have the greatest sound for early 80s but is very lively.

[aligreto]

I also have/used to have the two Herman mentions. I got rid of the BeauxArts when slimming down years ago, but it is also quite good in a "mainstream" way (which might be a good alternative to the HIP readings). The Eder/Ranki might not have the greatest sound for early 80s but is very lively.

Thank you again for that; I do like Mozart performances to have a bit of life and sparkle.

[Que]

Have a look for some more ideas it the thread linked below. Although snyprrr changed the title later, it is about Mozart's piano quartets....

http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,18512.0.html

Q

[aligreto]

Have a look for some more ideas it the thread linked below. Although snyprrr changed the title later, it is about Mozart's piano quartets....

http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,18512.0.html

Q

Thank you very much for that Que; I will of course check that thread 

[Parsifal]

Some will be rolling their eyes at this:

[asin]B00004WMX7[/asin]

I've probably recommended this disc a dozen times already, except now it's nla, it seems.

[Gurn Blanston]

Some will be rolling their eyes at this:

[asin]B00004WMX7[/asin]

I've probably recommended this disc a dozen times already, except now it's nla, it seems.

Not me. I got it on your rec and am delighted I did. Very nice playing. Also, Mozart's own arrangement of the keyboard & wind quintet for keyboard & strings quartet is on there too, a very nice addition. 

[Parsifal]

Not me. I got it on your rec and am delighted I did. Very nice playing. Also, Mozart's own arrangement of the keyboard & wind quintet for keyboard & strings quartet is on there too, a very nice addition. 

Of course, I mention it in the thread that Que linked, above...

[aligreto]

Some will be rolling their eyes at this:

[asin]B00004WMX7[/asin]

I've probably recommended this disc a dozen times already, except now it's nla, it seems.

Thank you for that; I already have that on my List. I have always been a fan of Monica Huggett.

[Seán]

[asin]B000050K29[/asin]
I have already Wish Listed this one with van Oort because I own a very good cycle of the Mozart Piano Sonatas performed by him.
Thank you for that 



No doubt helped by the quality of the music 

I have that recording in the 170 cd Mozart box set and it is a real beauty.

[hpowders]

The best performance I have ever heard of K. 493 is by Artur Rubinstein and the Guarneri String Quartet.

Rubinstein was an underrated Mozart pianist.

[aligreto]

The best performance I have ever heard of K. 493 is by Artur Rubinstein and the Guarneri String Quartet.

Rubinstein was an underrated Mozart pianist.

A new entry; I will see if I can check that one out. Thank you for the recommendation.

[hpowders]

A new entry; I will see if I can check that one out. Thank you for the recommendation.

Sure thing! 

Have you heard Rubinstein's performance of the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23? Also one of the best!

[aligreto]

Sure thing! 

Have you heard Rubinstein's performance of the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23? Also one of the best!

Yes, I have that performance on an old vinyl set but I have not heard it in a long time. I will take it down again soon for a re-listen.

[king ubu]

The best performance I have ever heard of K. 493 is by Artur Rubinstein and the Guarneri String Quartet.

Rubinstein was an underrated Mozart pianist.

Those came to my mind right away upon seeing the thread ... such colourful and warm recordings!

[aligreto]

Those came to my mind right away upon seeing the thread ... such colourful and warm recordings!

Thank you for the endorsement. "Colourful and warm" I like