Photo: Human Artist Photography + Cinema

“Ohlsson, the 1970 Chopin Competition winner, has long been admired for his musicianship built on artistic breadth, patience, and unforced authority.

He offered the first movement Allegro at a natural pace, shaping phrases with an economical touch and a clear objective. This was fresh, weightless Mozart — lines honest and well-lit.”

Cleveland

“Indeed, Ohlsson, fresh off chairing the jury at the XIX International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, was restrained, finding an almost conversational tone in his Mozart, reminiscent of Artur Schnabel’s way with the music. Ohlsson had no interest in calculating charm or swooning over Mozart’s more exquisite moments. Instead, he made his piano speak plainly, letting the music work its magic without begging for attention, the first movement culminating in Mozart’s surviving cadenza, which is as moving as it is virtuosic. Ohlsson’s approach was even more affecting in the second movement Adagio, where his piano line sang. The finale was lithe and flexible, the orchestra under Welser-Möst matching the pianist at every turn.”

Seen and Heard International