David Greilsammer - Mozart: In-Between (2012/2015) [Official Digital Download]

In David’s relatively short career, he has already established himself a name for his unique interpretation and presentation of Mozart’s works. In 2008 he caused a sensation in Paris by performing Mozart’s entire keyboard sonatas (all 18 of them) in one marathon day.

On Greilsammer’s 2nd recording for Sony Classical he explores his “infinite love” for Mozart- directing his ensemble “L’Orchestra Chambre de Genève” through a varied programme of the composer’s early works, including the “Jeunehomme” piano concerto (which Greilsammer plays/directs from the keyboard), Symphony No. 23 and an early castrato aria from „Mitridate” opera sung by countertenor Lawrence Zazzo, amongst other works.

Continuing Greilsammer’s philosophy of combining music from different eras to provide new and enlightened listening experiences – the addition of Denis Schuler’s world premiere recording “In-Between” serves as a contemporary mirror on Mozart’s early works.

Greilsammer himself explains the concept and title: “This recording presents a voyage that invites the listener to meet a Mozart we never expected: ambiguous, uncertain, overcome by fear and lost between distant worlds.”

“Greilsammer has dug up some little-known music, including two numbers from [Thamos] which are a real revelation…Both pieces are performed frenetically fast, and that confrontational style characterises Greilsammer's disc as a whole…All in all, a stimulating disc, though those of a nervous disposition should steer clear.” 8BBC Music Magazine)

“his reading as a whole abounds in imaginative phrasing and spontaneous-sounding interaction with the Geneva CO, though the more extrovert passages can sound overblown…Greilsammer's playing in the finale is suitably thrilling, with dramatic interjections from the horns.” (Gramophone Magazine)

“Greilsammer directs a convincing performance of No.23, making the symphony sound more powerful than I remember” (MusicWeb International)

“The superb, thoughtful Israeli-born pianist and conductor David Greilsammer presents works here by the young Mozart that reveal, he believes, the composer’s inner ambiguities…Greilsammer’s performances with the Geneva Chamber Orchestra are lively, fresh and beautiful.” (New York Times)

Tracklist:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

01. Symphony No. 23 in D major, K. 181: Allegro spiritoso
02. Symphony No. 23 in D major, K. 181: Andantino grazioso
03. Symphony No. 23 in D major, K. 181: Presto assai
04. Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271, "Jeunehomme": Allegro
05. Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271, "Jeunehomme": Andantino
06. Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271, "Jeunehomme": Rondeau: Presto-Menuetto-Tempo primo
07. No. 2: Maestoso, Allegro (From Thamos, König in Ägypten, Incidental music, K. 345)
08. In-Between
09. No. 5: Allegro vivace assai (From Thamos, König in Ägypten, Incidental music, K. 345)
10. "Venga pur, minacci e frema" (From Mitridate, rè di Ponto, K. 87)
11. "Cara, lontano ancora" (From Ascanio in Alba, KV 111)
12. "Al mio ben mi veggio avanti" (From Ascanio in Alba, KV 111)

Personnel:
David Greilsammer, piano, conductor
Lawrence Zazzo, countertenor
Orchestre de Chambre de Geneve