Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 | Menahem Pressler, Gulbenkian Orchestra & Leo Hussain

“Concerts make me feel alive” - the motto of veteran star pianist Menahem Pressler. As part of the “Pianomania!” concert series, Pressler plays Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major together with the Gulbenkian Orchestra under the baton of Leo Hussain. The performance took place in 2018 in the Grand Auditorium at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in the Portuguese capital Lisbon.
Watch the whole concert: • Pianomania! With Menah...
00:00 Ovations
00:44 I. Allegro
13:15 II. Adagio
20:06 III. Allegro assai
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791) wrote the Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488 in the year 1786 - one of the major Viennese concertos composed by Mozart for his own subscription concerts. It’s one of three piano concertos where Mozart swaps oboes for clarinets. The Piano Concerto No. 23 is regarded as one of Mozart’s most famous works, created at the same time as his opera “The Marriage of Figaro” in the Austrian capital Vienna. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in the city from 1781-1791 as a freelance composer.
Menahem Pressler was born as Max Pressler in the German city of Magdeburg in 1923. His family is Jewish. He and his parents fled Nazi rule in 1939; going first to Palestine, and then emigrating to the US in 1940. The rest of his family were murdered by the Nazis.
In the year 1946, the young Pressler won the Debussy International Piano Competition in San Francisco, studying thereafter in California. In 1955, he founded the world-famous “Beaux Arts Trio” and remained a member throughout its existence. The ensemble played some 100 concerts between 1955 and 2008 and released more than 50 recordings with different constellations of musicians, before performing its final concert in 2008. Menahem Pressler still gives solo performances to this day.
British national Leo Hussain, born in 1978, is a regular guest at Europe’s major opera houses and concert halls. He’s seen as a leading interpreter of Mozart and is especially fond of works produced during the composer’s years in Vienna. In this concert, he conducts the Portuguese Gulbenkian Symphony Orchestra.
© EuroArts Music International & arte
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#Mozart #pianomusic #menahempressler

[@selmatischer5688]

He played this heavenly concerto so often...may he rest in peace now

[@staffanolofsson8201]

There is a certain quality in Mozarts piano concertos that I perhaps too late have found. The simple profundity in it. When I listen to Menahem Pressler ( Rest in peace, maestro) this quality is clear to me. He had this ability to play Mozart as it was his own music. This performance took place in 2018. He was born 16 december 1923, Magdeburg, Germany. A refugee during and after the second world war. But he carried this Mozart with him. And died this may 2023. Almost 100 years old. What a life!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

🖤

[@samaldini]

I gotta be honest with you, I'm not sure Beethoven and Mozart were humans, and I'm not even kidding. I believe Beethoven's greatness is the highest level music can reach, every symphony he did is better than anything else ever done by a composer and the 9th seems to be the perfect (literally perfect) way to show that this is the absolute divine level music can reach. After Beethoven, comes Mozart, and Mozart piano concertos and works for violin are better than Beethoven's. The rest of composers, musicians, any music artists you can think of, are utter garbage close to these 2. I'm not saying I don't love them, I love Tchaikowsky, but in his whole career Tchaikovsky (or any other you can think of) couldn't achieve the number of great moments Beethoven would achieve in any symphony you can think of. I research composers, ancient and new, all the time. I see some people talking about Mahler's symphonies, yes, they're awesome, I've listened to them all, actually I would listen to them for days in a row to try to understand if I was missing something, but no, Beethoven and Mozart had something beyond human. Sometimes I think I should stop looking for greatness and just stick to listen to Beethoven and Mozart over and over because all other music is inferior and might be poisoning.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

​@@samaldini Everyone has to find his own musical path, and if it is Beethoven and Mozart for you, just concentrate on them. And thank you for your letter and your thoughts. I myself always find new paths in the forest, or old, one of them is Sibelius, another Schostakovich. And of course Schubert. In my forest I also find Bachs and Brahms footsteps. And many others whose path is not so recognizable. So this forest is still a mystery to me, well worth to experience. But as I get older I tend to take the more usual paths through this forest, like the Mozart path or the Beethoven path. Never disappointed, always refreshed.

[@user-ki4bg1ux9h]

고인의 명복을 빕니다.

[@mannfredharjung8926]

Unbelievable with 95 Years

[@AngladaFamilia]

He was around 94 here. Amazing how his fingers still flowed flawlessly. Rest in Paradise now maestro ❤️

[@DWClassicalMusic]

🖤🙏

[@apisakpupipat7141]

Please RIP, beloved Maestro. Big thanks for being around for a long time to share your musical gifts and insights, sir.

[@SquirrltheRiddl]

i just love his play.. i mean they all do great but the amount of emotion this man has in his fingers is so amazing

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Listening to Menahem Pressler playing this Adagio I can nothing but shed tears. What a life with music he had!

[@JJTownley_Classical-Composer]

At 98 when most pianists are doubled over with arthritis and scoliosis here's Pressler making beautiful music in one of Mozart's most glorious concertos. Bravo, Maestro.

[@ceciliarufatt7076]

most are dead

[@AdamShugar]

@@ceciliarufatt7076 That is a notable handicap, yes.

[@King-ui6kt]

Not at 98, but at 95.

[@JJTownley_Classical-Composer]

@@King-ui6kt So three years to go. I have every confidence Pressler will be there doing what he does best. 🎶

[@AdmiralSilver96]

@@JJTownley_Classical-Composer😢😢😢

[@BilalAtabeyOfficial]

A very humble and a dignified gentleman, we will miss you..! R.I.P.

[@BorisGladky]

I bow low. Deep respect.

[@user-hm9lx4pw7j]

23년생이시니까 만 나이로 98세. 저 연세에 악보를 보시며 치시는거 보면 시력도 좋으신거 같고 3악장 전체를 젊은이들 처럼 치시며 중간 중간에 감정 제스쳐까지... 정말 대단하시다.

[@BytomGirl]

WOW. Just amazing, he is here 95. How perfect.

[@yuehchopin]

Maestro Max Pressler, Hochachtung 3x, Gottes Segen

[@jeffsmith1798]

I remember the first time I heard this concerto and thinking thank god there’s a third movement. The Adagio second movement is heart wrenching.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Thank God and Mozart for the second movement.

[@brigittek8961]

Ein so begnadeter Pianist ❤. Ich hatte das große Glück Herrn Pressler live zu hören, da war er 92 Jahre - seine Hände spielten mit den Tasten und mit und in ihm war Mozarts Musik - ein unbeschreiblicher Zauber - ruhe nun in Frieden - mein Herz sagt Danke ❤

[@ruslanaliyev1301]

Weiser Herr erzählt Geschichte seines Lebens und der Orchester hört zu und folgt ihn um nichts zu verpassen. Danke!

[@eva4adam451]

He never plays before the orchestra. But is 1 part of it. I love it.

[@peterclemenz881]

Ich bin ein großer Fan von Menahem Pressler und die zahlreichen Konzerte mit seine Beaux Arts Trio haben mich glücklich gemacht. Ich kenne ihn auch seinem Unterricht. Als Lehrer ist er unerbittlich, knallhart und oftmals auch persönlich verletzend. War er manchmal neidisch auf die schnellen Finger der Jugend? Wenn er solche hohen Ansprüche an den Musiker stellt, warum spielt er dann in einem Alter, wo er nicht mehr ansatzweise schnell spielen kann, präzise im Rhythmus ist, sauber pedalisiert und glaskar spielt? Alles Tugenden, die er noch 15 Jahre vorher im Überfluss besaß. Nun bröckelt ihm alles im Alter weg. Ein trauriges Bild, das mich, weil er im Unterricht auch so bösartig und unmenschlich sein konnte, irgendwie auch wütend macht. Natürlich spürt man noch, das er ein großer Pianist gewesen ist genauso wie man einer Ruine ansieht, dass sie einmal große Architektur verkörperte. Aber zugegeben: auch eine Ruine hat ihre Reize.

[@wh9462]

Total einverstanden. Er ist halt rein technisch nicht mehr imstande, die Musik zu verwirklichen.

[@joelneftalijuanquivega5997]

A real maestro!

[@ronmerkin129]

This pianist is a GENIOUS. His touch is so absolutely perfect it's mystical. There's no exaggeration to what I wrote here.

[@celiahaydeemcastilhomoscar7618]

❤fabuloso

[@yishen7597]

He is❤️

[@christajanulik2450]

11

[@MarcusOhrealyis]

..."Genius" (sp)

[@jeanparke9373]

The way you spell "genius" is as amazing as his playing.

[@maryyueil]

Always my favorite Mozart Concerto.❤❤

[@rnnyhoff]

You get the sense that this esteemed pianist has played this piece before, for, seriously, he lives and breathes it with his immense musical spirit and artistry. What inspiration and sharing of his incredible wisdom. Mozart lives under his knowing fingertips.

[@lidavanbers6344]

SO IMMENSELY TOUCHING BUT ALSO LUCKY HE CAN STILL STOP YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF ANYTHING, thank you!

[@rotsteineva]

❤

[@shin-i-chikozima]

This piano sound is a sign of the soul

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Even if he in his life mostly played chamber music I find this consert, Mozart´s Piano Consert nr 23, the best I have heard. Also regarding his age at this uptaking, and the fact he was a refugee from Germany during the World War 2, searching a new life in another world, taking Mozart with him as another refugee. But music is never a refugee, it will always grow on whatever ground it is planted, and in his playing Menahem Pressler proves this is true. I cannot stop loving this interpretation because I find it a natural and sincere way of playing Mozart.

[@lion2226]

Menahem's piano is truly beautiful. Incredible performance.

[@annedwyer797]

The 2nd movement of this concerto always takes my breath away 💕🎶

[@josephlaredo5272]

As it did Stalin's; reputedly, it was what he put on when he knew he was dying. The irony is that it was a recording by Marina Yudina, who told him where he could stick the Stalin Medal he offered her ...

[@user-ew1mj6dc5k]

Я прочитала,что ему 99 лет.Но как он играет,виртуоз !!!

[@David325]

I was at this concert! It was awesome !!!

[@aaronholman8288]

Pressler's Timing & Delivery are immaculate

[@artaxerxe1]

Such a fine pianist!

[@lBJamiel]

I cannot agree with the suggestion that this should have been played at a faster tempo. It is an antidote to so many performances which give the impression that the pianist is afraid of missing a bus

[@annedwyer797]

I agree! I like your analogy of "afraid of missing a bus"!!

[@marta.lomakova]

Можно и медленно играть в ритме. А он просто плыает и распадаеться. Не ритмично, и неинтересно.

[@rgoldman8428]

I have nothing to add, except for my profound appreciation of one of the best Musicians playing one of the best Compositions by the best Classical Composer❤. . . Thank you, Menachem!

[@lenanielsen5903]

Very beautiful performance🍃

[@ThePettyCelebrity]

I enjoyed listening tol the nuances of this performance. Thank you for such a gift.

[@annedwyer797]

I'm in awe of anyone who's still doin' their thing into their 90's, much less at this level of excellence. Bravo Maestro Pressler!

[@mariannewoodtli1889]

Can't hardly belive what I see an hear: brain, soul and hands wonderfully coordinated. I am full of admiration. Thank you, Maestro Pressler! Marianne (CH)

[@user-vy5im3kg5o]

Удивительно! В таком возрасте владеть инструментом и играть блестяще, это здорово! Гениально!

[@mariagalvan1710]

Respeto

[@mariagalvan1710]

Admirable

[@viggo1115]

Thanks to DW Classical Music for sharing such an amazing performance!👍👍💐💯👏👏

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We're glad you liked it! 😊

[@viggo1115]

@@DWClassicalMusic 👋💕

[@svetlanakarshenbaum475]

ВОЛШЕБСТВО !!!!!

[@innadikker6308]

@@svetlanakarshenbaum475 ❤❤❤❤

[@georgefelty6357]

Pressler will always be one of my all-time favorites!

[@annchen3708]

The real maestro…

[@josephinecurl4393]

Phenomenal 9:43 10:03

[@elentok2225]

Огромное огромное! Браво!!! Моцарт! Гениальные дирижёр и солисты оркестра! Пианист-творец от Бога, вдохнувший жизнь в мелодику Моцарта! Мир живёт! Мир творит! Планета Земля ещё крутится...браво!!!💐💐🕊🕊

[@ConnieBach]

Wow I want to be as clear mind as he is and all my fingers work like his when I am at his age! Bro on!

[@paulcort1703]

I had the pleasure of hearing the virtuoso perform live when I was a student at Boston University. It was an unforgettable experience!

[@nataliya2641]

R.I.P From Moscow. Gorgeous person.

[@hooberdoober576]

My favorite Mozart concerto. Pressler must be pushing 100 now.

[@annedwyer797]

He'll be 99 in December 2022!

[@jeanparke9373]

​@@annedwyer797 And now he is living in the eternal universe of music ❤

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne Aufführung dieses perfekt komponierten Konzerts mit warmherzigem Klang des unvergleichlichen Soloklaviers sowie gut harmonisierten und perfekt entsprechenden Tönen der anderen Instrumente. Der zweite Satz klingt besonders schön und echt tiefempfunden. Im Kontrast klingt der dritte Satz echt lebhaft und auch inspirierend. Der intelligente und geniale Dirigent leitet das perfekt trainierte Orchester im angemessenen Tempo und mit angenehmer Dynamik. Wahrlich hörenswert!

[@user-vx9bv9es3x]

Super!!!!!

[@kjsytnmbcz003]

Sehr gut für Amerikanische Thanksgiving Holiday morgen mit eine coffe

[@Ms1ms03]

Maestro❤

[@vovoyaya9099]

Brilliant and beautiful performance, salute to the amazing pianist, this sharing is food to the soul,solace to the this troubled time,

[@heikestucke8964]

Every note is cherished....he is absolutely involved of telling us his magnificent interpretation of the meaning what music is all about, alles Gute, Gesundheit und weitere Konzerte....❤️🎶

[@user-iy6if3zm7k]

Без Моцарта нельзя прожить и дня! Главное думать, жить, творить, мечтать, как великий Моцарт! Низкий поклон творцу , пробуждающему шедевр музыки - Менахему Пресслеру! Только БРАВО!!! СПАСИБО!

[@user-mh7cp7gc1w]

Согласна. Вот что значит - сила искусства

[@yoyochu5]

Impressive performance❤❤❤

[@nadiazahaf5097]

A piece of Heaven

[@magicmulder]

He is like Yoda - can hardly walk, but once he taps into the Force, oh what a performance! So happy that the greatest pianists (also Horowitz and Rubinstein) were able and willing to perform into very old age.

[@annedwyer797]

Well said! I agree that it's astonishing that someone in his mid-90s at the time of this performance, who is so frail he needs assistance getting to the piano, can sit down and play as if he's decades younger! Bravo!!

[@bw2082]

Argerich still performs at the highest levels at 81

[@MrThepresident2009]

I admire a man like Herbert Blomsted that, 96 years old, continues to amaze use with his "Young" spirit and his incredible talent

[@hillelfrisch1898]

Pressler is 99 years old!

[@yokojkato]

When we get older, our articulation is less smooth and we move slower still we can convey the art. He's 93 years old. How amazing.

[@nelsonceballos1637]

Gracias....Un hermoso regalo a la humanidad....🌺

[@johannbrandstatter7419]

Menachem Pressler - what a truly inspiring man !

[@DWClassicalMusic]

🖤

[@francescodefendi3201]

Thank you very much for all these concerts without commercials. 🙏🏻 Lovely people, amazing music.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We're glad you enjoyed it. Make sure to follow us for the latest uploads 😊

[@sshmus]

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gastrcat]

Soft and soulful performance of Mozart 's eternal music!!!

[@ardakseitimov1259]

Моцарттың музыкасы жүректі жылытады! Керемет! Bravo from Kazakhstan!

[@user-zs7dr9lo1x]

Какой чудесный звук и восхитительное исполнение!🙏🙏🙏❤💋

[@user-iy6zj8uq4n]

Музыка Моцарта-божественна!!!Браво исполнителям👏👏👏

[@emigdioluisgarciaaguilar2738]

Menahem, manos benditas !!!

[@user-wx1jh2jw8w]

Какое счастье видеть и слышать на что способен человек!!!!!!

[@user-mh7cp7gc1w]

Чудесно. Прекрасно. Талантливо!

[@frederickmenu3140]

RIP, and thank you.

[@erencep7802]

An amazing performance.❤

[@Stefan_G.]

Ein toller Solo-Interpret und ein schönes Mozart-Stück. Bemerkenswert!!!

[@mannfredharjung8926]

Wahnsinnig gefühlvoll

[@aseverino]

Portentoso pianista, a punto de cumplir cien años. Músico excepcional. Admirable.

[@rindanefikirleriolan1flano664]

No pude 😔

[@AthSamaras]

Ευχαριστούμε την "DW Classical Music" ...Είναι τιμή μας να ακούμε ζωντανά ένα βιρτουόζο 98 ετών. Να είναι υγιής και πολύχρονος..!! Thanks to "DW Classical Music" ...It's an honor to hear a 98-year-old virtuoso live. May he be healthy and long-lived..!!

[@Llllaaaauuuurrrreent]

"Only" 94 at the time of the performance

[@AthSamaras]

@@Llllaaaauuuurrrreent ...Menahem Pressler was born as Max Pressler in the German city of Magdeburg in 1923.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

With pleasure! We're glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@annedwyer797]

@@AthSamaras Born Dec 1923, Which would make him 94 at the time of this performance.

[@AthSamaras]

@@annedwyer797 ... ... "Only" 94 ...!!!

[@gabrielamihaila5470]

Ce bijuterie superb lucrata!!! Ce pianist ,ce dirijor,ce orchestra!!Și Mozart!!!

[@user-vx9bv9es3x]

Главное блеск. И молодость Моцарта свежа в интерпретации гениального коллектива, дирижёра, маэстро солиста, чудесно!!!!

[@user-ev5fg1yk4u]

Спасибо Огромное !!!!!❤❤❤

[@user-zr7ge8rs5l]

트리오의 전설 'Beaux Arts Trio' 그 피아노, 그 메너햄 프레슬러 이시군요 보자르 트리오의 그 따스함 으로 이 협주곡에서도 빛을 발하시네요 메너햄의 관록과 따스함에 걸맞는 협주악기 주자들의 표정, 표정들 ... 95세를 넘기신 노년에 카덴차를 어떻게 처리하실지를 숨죽이며 지켜본 저에게 '쓸데없는 걱정을...' , 오히려 나무라시는군요 사죄드려요 모짜르트 협주곡, 행복감을 가득 만끽했음을 감사드립니다

[@monicabrondo4149]

Que conmovedora y especial interpretación del Maestro Pressler......!!!!!!....

[@joncygardner]

I have listened to others play the same concert and this version sounds the best to me

[@kimmax2598]

연주 정말 좋네요. 따따봉. 영원히 사시길

[@klassichd10]

Kudos and deepest respect! Thanks to all contributing to this masterpiece!

[@user-te5st1ct9j]

Благодарю ! Полный восторг вызывает пианиист!@@

[@gabrielnavarrodelage]

Magnífico concierto del Gran Mozart, excelentemente interpretado. Gracias por haber compartido esta "joya".

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Con mucho gusto. Nos alegra que lo haya disfrutado! 😊

[@SNOW009]

음악에 이렇게 느닷없이 뭉클해보는게 얼마만인지.

[@user-kx5wu8fg9r]

Thank you so much🎶

[@gentilgentil6030]

Magnifica Orquestra interpretando Mozart, piano, Opus 23.

[@gloriabowen8419]

Wonderful and inspirational- may we all live out our passions throughout our lives! ❤🎹🎼🎵🎶

[@adagiohiro3267]

95 years old !

[@carmemfernandesgadelha195]

É de admirar!o gênio se sobrepondo às limitações

[@lanazhdanova0905]

Браво!!!👏👏👏

[@user-nh5uv5gs5j]

Восторг! Какое прекрасное испоонение!

[@innadikker6308]

❤

[@user-eb8kx5gy7o]

감사합니다, 부드러운, 손가락 움직임, 아름다운, 피아노소리가 감동입니다.

[@Erichan495]

고개가 절로 숙여집니다 마음속에 열정과 사랑이 가득한분 ᆢ 삶을 노래하고 계시네요 감사합니다 🙏

[@albertomarioascencioyuduma7925]

Una maravilla!!!! Y un gran ejemplo.... pues hoy en día, se desprecian a las personas mayores, es algo muy cruel, pero que vamos hacer? Este hombre muestra lo que todavía se puede hacer a pesar de la edad, Gracias a DW, por esta caricia para el alma, W.A. Mozart , está siempre presente 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@ionbacanu1053]

Mozart a fost un Copil "MINUNE" și Muzica SA "GENIALĂ".

[@iubanne]

Rip maestro. ❤

[@gentilgentil6030]

Belíssimo Concerto e interpretação. 11:06 quinta-feira 20/10/2022 Ģuadalajara Porto Alegre RS Brasil

[@ionbacanu1053]

Beautiful Muzic CLASICA ȘI SUPERBĂ! Pentru mine MUZICA lui Mozart este o MÂNGÂIERE A SUFLETULUI ȘI SPIRITULUI...!

[@bm33tati]

Ььшщ

[@aaronjorgefridman5662]

Uno de los más brillantes pianistas del siglo XX y que ya en el XXI y con más de 90 años aún nos asombra con interpretaciones como esta

[@blscksholz]

😮 music is forever

[@abu61sen]

I'm speechless, what a wonderful concert! ❤

I used to see him in the street in Bloomington. and I would chat with Joe Gingold. amazing. And Starker. ha ha. just around town.

[@beatrizmendez3180]

Que maravilla el adagio que sentimiento tan profundo !creo que no hay palabras que puedan expresar lo que logra expresar esta musica

[@Agherr08]

majestic