In a bold reinterpretation of classical repertoire, world-renowned cellist HAUSER has once again proven his artistic range and emotional depth by performing the Adagio from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488. Accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, this rendition replaces piano with cello as the melodic centerpiece—offering a fresh, stirring perspective on one of Mozart’s most beloved slow movements.
The Original Work: Mozart’s K. 488
Composed in 1786 during one of Mozart’s most prolific years, Piano Concerto No. 23 stands among his most lyrical and expressive concertos. The second movement, Adagio, is particularly noteworthy. Written in F-sharp minor—an unusual and emotionally charged key for Mozart—the movement is often interpreted as introspective, melancholy, and hauntingly beautiful. With its slow tempo and fragile melodic lines, the Adagio offers performers and listeners alike a rare glimpse into the more vulnerable side of Mozart’s musical voice.
Traditionally performed on piano, the solo passages float over subtle orchestral textures, balancing sorrow with serenity.
HAUSER’s Interpretation
By translating the solo line to cello, HAUSER deepens the movement’s emotional resonance. His signature expressive phrasing and rich vibrato bring a new warmth and intimacy to the piece. Where the piano might offer clarity and polish, the cello adds breath and ache, as if the music is being sung rather than played.
Backed by the London Symphony Orchestra’s delicately restrained performance, HAUSER’s interpretation doesn’t aim to outshine the original—it reverently honors it while exploring what the human voice of the cello can reveal.
From the opening bars, HAUSER’s tone is unhurried and spacious, lingering on each note as though savoring every emotional nuance. The cello’s natural range allows him to highlight the inner sadness of the Adagio in a way that feels personal and contemplative.
A Conversation, Not a Spectacle
What stands out most in this performance is its sincerity. There’s no theatrical flourish here—just focused musicianship and emotional transparency. HAUSER resists the temptation to over-romanticize the piece, instead opting for a nuanced, honest reading. The London Symphony Orchestra provides sensitive support, responding to HAUSER’s phrasing with a lightness of touch that keeps the performance grounded in classical tradition.
This is not merely a transcription. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how instrumentation can change the emotional landscape of a piece while preserving its core.
A Welcome Addition to the Canon of Reinterpretation
HAUSER’s performance of Mozart’s Adagio from K. 488 serves both as a tribute and a quiet innovation. For classical purists, it may be a surprising shift. For others, it’s a revelation—a reminder that great music can be revisited, reimagined, and made new again without losing its soul.
For those seeking solace, depth, or simply a fresh window into Mozart’s genius, HAUSER’s rendition offers all of that—and more.
