The Naxos label always offers affordably-priced CDs.

What most listeners, including myself (for awhile)

don't realize is that they also offer some of the BEST

recordings of classical music, and often performed

by local, not international, artists. Why spend $20 on a CD

on a big label that offers just a so-so reading of

a concerto by one of the big guys? I'm guessing that most

of the recordings on Naxos are completely indie - but

jeez, the quality in all respects is fantastic.

On this disc are the two Mendelssohn concertos.

The British pianists Benjamin Frith and Hugh Tinney,

are a perfect partnership. They make their way through the music effortlessly and they seem to know exactly what the other is doing/going to do at all times. While both concerti are great, A-flat major is the better, musically, and the performance here is one that leaves a lasting impression. There isn't a dull moment to be had, and the last movement is just plain glorious. The bonus really comes at the tail end - a couple junctures when you think it's

going to end right there, and it just keeps going, giving a little more, a little more...and finally concludes with a jolt. I wish this piece were played in public more often, but I doubt the performances from any other pianists would be nearly as effective as that of the Frith/Tinney duo. The orchestra is kept under fine control by Proinnsias O'Duinn.

I never, unfortunately, knew that much about Mendelssohn. I certainly didn't think of him as a composer for piano. Then I had the opportunity to attend a concert of concerti for two and three pianos. The concerti on this CD were the first and third of those performed.

Mr. Mendelssohn was apparently a prodigy like Herr Mozart. He may have been MORE talented than Mozart if these pieces are characteristic of all his work. To see the performers' finger moving at proverbial warp speed over the keyboards was exhilarating!

Interestingly, Mendelssohn apparently died at 35, while Mozart died at 34. From the loss of both we may never completely recover.

Well, these pieces--I suppose because, again, Mendelssohn isn't seen so much as a piano composer--were not easy to find. I heartily thank Amazon.com for making them available. But, while travelling, I found another recording which is only slightly better. (Indeed, one can sense the Steinway quality on the other recording! And it's truly stellar!) That's the only reason I give this CD a "mere" 4 stars.

But the price can't be beat! If you want to hear some remarkable pieces--with melodies repeated enough that they'll stick to your memory--get this. It'll also increase your appreciation for Mendelssohn. I'm inclined to look for more work by him!

clean, crystal clear performance of two lovely works by one of the world's greatest composers. It's not breathtaking, spellbounding virtuosity here but it's lovely playing with faithful accompaniment from the orchestra.

My wife and I have always liked classical music. After hearing these two pieces we even liked it more. Thank you very much for making this available for such a good price.