Mozart: Piano Concertos K. 271 & 456

The origins of these concertos, performed here by Kristian Bezuidenhout, may each be traced to a woman. The so-called "Jeunehomme" Concerto, K.271, a vehicle for rather unexpected musical daring, could instead take it's nickname from the work's dedicatee: the piano virtuoso Louise Victoire Jenamy, daughter of Mozart's old friend, the dancer Noverre. As for K.456, cast in a more traditional mold yet so elaborate and seductive, it was apparently composed for Maria Theresia von Paradis, a blind pianist acclaimed throughout Europe. Two works distinctly different in character, while somehow being aptly complementary.