Mozart: Piano Concertos No. 20 K466 & No. 12 K414

Recorded in Prague at the Dvo?ák Hall of the Rudolfinum on 1 May 2013 (1-3) and at the Martin? Hall of the Music and Dance Faculty of Academy of Performing Arts on 21 May 2016.

“Jan Bartoš is one of my most impressive and most exciting young colleagues. In Jan Bartoš, virtuosity is coupled with deeply serious musicianship.” When such appreciation is voiced by the legendary pianist Alfred Brendel, we should prick up our ears. In addition to Brendel, Bartoš has been most markedly influenced by his friend and teacher, the phenomenal Czech pianist Ivan Moravec.

Numerous accolades from international competitions, acclaimed performances at major concert venues all over the world (including Carnegie Hall) and collaboration with renowned orchestras and conductors have been further milestones on Bartoš’s journey through the musical landscape.

With regard to the two mentors, his having opted for Mozart’s music for his Supraphon debut album comes as no surprise. Although referred to by some as “naïve” and “overly simple”, Jan Bartoš uncovers the deepest layers of the architecture of and the emotions encoded in Mozart’s works. Together with the conductor, the late Ji?í B?lohlávek, the pianist guides the listener through the ominous, demonic even, Concerto in D minor like through a mystery story. The more joyous nature of the Concerto in A major is further highlighted by the transparent texture of its chamber version for string quartet. The two concertos unveil the nooks and crannies of Mozart’s multi-layered music, in a topnotch performance quality.

Mozart:
 Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K414
 Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K466

"Bartoš is careful never to eclipse his partners. In the hymnlike slow movement he spins a beguiling, sustained melody that contrasts wonderfully with his sprightly playing elsewhere."
Gramophone Magazine October 2017