Pianist
Radu Lupu does not have a large discography compared to many other pianists, but his are consistently noted for his interpretation. This 2011 Decca box contains a large portion of that discography, the concerto recordings
Lupu made in the 1970s and '80s. His playing is virtuosic, as can be heard in Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto and in the Grieg and Schumann, but he also has an unforced way of coloring and shaping whatever it is he's playing, making it engaging yet true to its period. The Mozart concertos are light and singing, while the Brahms is appealingly dramatic, but cleanly delivered. A couple of the discs are filled out with some not-often-encountered chamber music: the piano and wind quintets by Mozart and Beethoven, performed just as assiduously and musically by
Lupu and his colleagues. The sound quality does vary between recordings, but is generally more than acceptable. This set would be a good choice for someone looking for many of the great, Romantic piano concertos in one place, as well as any fan of
Lupu's that doesn't already have these recordings.