MOZART. Piano Concertos—No. 12 in A major, * K41 4/385p; No. 14 in E flat major, K449. Chris- tian Zacharias (pf); Polish Chamber Orchestra I Jerzy Maksymiuk. EMI 0 0 CDC7 49174-2 (45 minutes; DOD).

Comparative CD version—coupled as above;

Lortie, I Musici de Montréal, Turovsky (1/87) CHAN8455

Christian Zacharias has proved himself to be a reliable and sensitive Mozart player and the present issue, recorded in 1981 at EMI's Abbey Road studios but only now released in the UK, does nothing to upset that established reputation. The playing is crisp and vivid and the orchestral accompaniment by the Polish Chamber Orchestra under Jerzy Maksymiuk is in tune with the general approach. It would be difficult not to enjoy the presentation of the two concertos here, although if one were to look to criticize adversely one would have perhaps to note a certain 'on the surface' element in the playing which tends to make everything a little similar. But make no mistake: Zacharias and his colleagues are always stylish and alert.

A comparison with Louis Lortie's account of the same two concertos on Chandos reveals what is perhaps a greater overt affection in the Canadian pianist's playing, and incidentally (unlike the EM) issue) the Chandos CD has the two works in the natural chronological order of K414 followed by K449. Most people would be happy with either artist in this music, but Zacharias on EMI is the one to choose if your tastes tend towards a direct and un-gilded approach to Mozart. He is cleanly and clearly recorded, whereas the sound of Lortie's recording, while very easy on the ear, is reverberant. C.H.