Ben Kim (b1983, Portland, Oregon) studied with Leon Fleisher and has been a protégé of Martha Argerich. His recording activity includes a disc of Chopin Preludes that has nevertheless so far not achieved conspicuous worldwide circulation. That is a pity, for his debut with Challenge Classics reveals a sensitive touch and an awareness of the dimensions of two of Mozart’s most lyrical concertos. On their own terms, these performances give pleasure in their delivery of Mozart’s indelible melodic writing, the complementary challenges of virtuosity and cantabile met without issue.

What seems to be missing is the personal approach. In the hands of, say, Curzon, Brendel, Pollini, Perahia, Imogen Cooper or Maria João Pires, the slow movement of the A major Concerto, K488, becomes more than a piano aria in F sharp minor and takes on an impassioned, almost spiritual depth that appears to be beyond Kim’s scope; the finale is playful but without the spirited, impish quality that is evidently there to be mined from its DNA. The G major Concerto, K453, is perhaps more emotionally ambivalent but Kim’s response barely approaches the range of nuance (or of dynamic) realised by those older pianists.

That’s not to say that rewards are not to be found here. If you want to be caressed or even soothed by these works, this disc is ideal. If, however, you expect Mozart’s mature creativity at its blazing zenith to challenge, cajole and provoke, you would be advised to look elsewhere.