Lawson Taitte

Mozart

A-Piano Concertos 12 and 24. Pollini, Vienna Philharmonic (Deutsche Grammophon)

OLD MASTER: At least in the English- speaking world, Maurizio Pollini doesn't create as much stir as he used to. But the pianist, 66, is still playing magnificently, as these live Viennese performances demonstrate. His sound has always had a granitelike solidity, which you might not think appropriate to Mozart, but his touch also has the silken feel of marble. Both stones come in gorgeous colors, and so does Mr. Pollini's music-making.

GREAT MUSIC: Mozart's concertos are the peaks of his instrumental output. This A major example is fairly early in the list, but its lyric charm has made it a favorite of pianists. In Mr. Pollini's hands, a certain gravity hides under the sweet surface. The C minor concerto is uniformly conceded to be a masterpiece among masterpieces, but many performances fail to bring it off. Mr. Pollini plays it for all it is worth, and the great orchestra, led by the soloist, helps make this one of the richest versions ever.

BOTTOM LINE: There's no master like an old master. Lawson Taitte

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