The Czech Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781) was particularly successful with operas in Italy. Mozart said of him, that he was "full of fire, spirit and life". Although there are also symphonic works by this composer on CD, the piano concertos are presented here in their first recording for which English pianist Clare Hammond had to create her own editions.
The Divertimenti and Easy Lessons are indeed light pieces, but Hammond plays them seriously and with tasteful eloquence. But it is, above all, the two piano concertos that make this publication attractive. Both works - the first lasts 10, the second 14 minutes - are very lively, and in this sparkling interpretation by Clare Hammond and the Swedish Chamber Orchestra under Nicholas McGegan they become very effective in their charming and melodic manner. The Larghetto of the 2nd Piano Concerto is particularly beautiful, and with its characteristic melody it has the quality of a slow movement from a Mozart concerto.
Rémy Franck