Piano Concertos 3, 4, 9 AND 11 (2007/2008)

Sebastian Knauer (piano) & Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Helmut Müller-Brühl

While, unlike Mozart, Haydn never made a living as a keyboard soloist, he nevertheless came nearest to Mozart in the best known of his keyboard concertos, No. 11 in D major. First performed in Paris in 1784 this is a work of the composer’s maturity, with strikingly dramatic contrasts, an expressive slow movement and an infectious Hungarian Rondo. Although slight by comparison, if not in craftsmanship, Concerto No. 3 is notable for its wistful slow movement and lively Finale, while Concerto No. 4, with its elaborate solo part, includes a dramatic and sombre Andante cantabile, and an exuberant Rondo.

Haydn:
 Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in F major with French horns and strings, Hob.XVIII:3
 Keyboard Concerto No. 4 in G major, Hob.XVIII:4
 Keyboard Concerto No. 9 in G Major, Hob. XVIII:9
 Keyboard Concerto No. 11 in D major, HobXVIII:11
 Piano Concertino in C major, Hob.XIV:11

"The young German pianist Sebastian Knauer gives sprightly and sensitive accounts of all four concertos, dancing nimbly through Haydn's long stretches of toccata-style passagework and spinning a pure, eloquent line in the slow movements."
Gramophone Magazine - September 2008

"In Knauer such music has an ideal interpreter... Naxos’s balance and sound are as exemplary as the performances."
International Piano