Customer Reviews

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas [Box Set]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mozart's piano sonatas are sometimes devalued by critics as "lesser compositions" in Mozart's vast output. Of course when there are 626 works in total, some will be truly monumental, some merely masterful and others somewhat average and less consequential compared to the creme. To fully appreciate the piano sonatas of Mozart, one needs a little perspective. In Mozart's piano sonatas we see a bit more of the utilitarian need to produce music suitable for the "home market" - sometimes even used merely for musical lessons for a patron's child. What we often have here is typically pleasant parlor music - which was one goal of the more "simple" compositions in this set. This is one of the minor downsides of "let's hear it all" complete collections like this ... not all pieces will be stunning masterpieces. So, to one not familiar with this context, there can be feeling of the music being a bit "let down" after listening to some of these more simple sonatas - especially if there is an expectation for them to possess the magnitude of Beethoven's or Schubert's grand piano sonata conceptions.

Although more humble as a whole, Mozart's Piano Sonatas still possess a brilliance and that magical "Mozart touch." Take sonatas like K570 which have a surface innocence over a foundation of serious emotional and intellectual depth. Clearly, Mozart had a way of taking a simple, child-like lyrical theme and developing it via sonata form into something effortlessly melodic and classically perfected. As such much of this music really fits well into the world of young children: innocent, lyrical, gentle and not too much at once. But, like Artur Schnabel once said, "Mozart's sonatas are easy for children but difficult for adults." While some pieces are seemingly simple and make for wonderful, soothing background music (disc 5), there are plenty of dynamic, vituostic sonatas here - such as the popular K.330-333, the pathos-laden K.310 (a rare minor-key sonata) and especially the two passionate works in C minor (K457 and K475).

The typically warm, sensitive and expressive style of Mitsuko Uchida brings out the best in Mozart's sonatas as she finds just the right "classical-era spirit" in the music. In the lilting allegros and rondos, Uchida summons that legendary "bouncy" Mozart tempo and youthful enthusiasm, while still finding the occasional pathos when called for in certain moments. The sound of her piano is somewhat reminicent of a Mozart-era fortepiano with its sharp attack and quick decay. In fact, Mozart took such instrument dynamics into consideration in his fast-moving legato writing. For some at first (me included), this kind of sound may seem somewhat "dry" (as another Amazon reviewer also notes). Likely, Ms. Uchida is trying to stay close to the spirit of the music by her choice of instrument, following Mozart's markings (minimal changes in dynamics) and minimizing the power of the modern grand by largely avoiding use of the sustaining pedal (an invention which arrived late in Mozart's time that whose potential fascinated to him). So, I think the sound fits the idiom well.

This set received two legendary critic awards: a coveted Penquin Guide "Rosette" and the 1991 Gramophone Award as well as a listing as a top "Recommended Recording" - which certainly is fine critical acclaim. Additionally, Gramophone says of this landmark set: "This is unfailing clean, crisp and elegant playing that avoids anything like a romanticised view. Indeed her complete series is a remarkable achievement, comparable with her fine account of the piano concertos ... an unqualified recommendation is in order for what must be one of the most valuable volumes in the Philips's Complete Mozart Edition."

Another complete set that is worth hearing comes is by Eshenbach. His was my second choice. Andras Schiff is also known for a very lyrical and warm-sounding Mozart and his Decca complete cycle is also satisfying as is Alicia DeLarrocha's on RCA. For something a bit different, Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev brings his characteristic dynamism and dazzling velocity to K.330-332/K.457 in a 2006 DG release. But, it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most captures your interest and emotion, so it is best to pick what you like best and enjoy Mozart's wit and genius. But it may be hard to top Mitsuko Uchida in Mozart's sonatas. Compositions - 4 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 4 stars.

Believe it or not, I own the gigantic Complete Mozart Collection by Phillips. I bought it soon after it was released a decade ago. Sometimes I wonder if maybe I should have spent the money on something else, but then I would not have been exposed to all of Mozart's amazing piano pieces.

I am most grateful to have these piano sonatas in my life. Mitsuko Uchida's interpretation is just astonishing. Her touch, timing and feeling is just impacting. It's like falling in love with the most beautiful person in the world. If you play these while driving your car, don't be surprised if you find yourself sitting in your car after you have parked to hear a piece all the way to the finish, and almost feeling your heart pounding with emotion.

Some of the later sonatas are absolutely stunning.

Indeed, this collection was given the highest rating possible and the rare rosette designation from the Penguin Guide to Classical Music.

From my perspective, Mozart's piano works for solo or smaller ensembles (sonatas, variation, trios, etc.) represent nearly his finest works. Experts rank his concertos, symphonies and operas (all with large ensembles) as his greatest works, but my experience is that his piano works for smaller ensembles and solo are masterpieces on their own. I have been listening to Mozart's complete works for a decade, and I personally enjoy his piano works the most for my own listening pleasure.

I also very highly recommend the MOZART: PIANO VARIATIONS collection. Very highly! The piano trios and piano quartets are great, too.

I think it's very sad that these Mozart pieces are not so well known. They are masterpieces of great beauty.

I remember one time when I told a friend's wife about these Mozart piano recordings. Her father was a professional concert pianist, and she plays piano really well. She owns two excellent pianos - one grand and one upright. I told her about these recordings, and she said she did not care much for Mozart piano pieces - she did not know much about Mozart - and that Beethoven was her favorite.

So I made her a couple tape recordings of some of the Mozart sonatas and variations (I now know I am not suppose to do that, but my intention was more educational and not piracy), and a month later she told me she was completely blown away. Several years later I ran into her, and she said she was still listening to Mozart on piano and was so grateful for introducing Mozart piano works into her life. Mozart is now, by far, her favorite.

I wish everyone could enjoy them.

There are already several excellent reviews of Uchida's performance of Mozart's piano sonatas, so no need to repeat or elaborate on these well done efforts. But I must warn against putting much credence into the lowly ratings (of 1 to 2 *) - these should be stricken from the reviews listing. I bought this set when released based on having own several single discs in the past, the excellent reviews received in several of the publications already mentioned, and opinions of those I respect in the Good Music Guide forum (good-music-guide.com); if fact, there is an ongoing thread there w/ a poll, and Uchida is receiving about a third of the votes (dozen or so pianists listed) as the top cycle for these compositions. Surprisingly, Klara Wurtz's box set of these pieces on the Brilliant label (i.e. a great value) is in second in the poll - indeed, I purchased this as a 'second' set elsewhere for only $20 - just superb (5* ratings on Amazon), and will need several more hearings to see who I prefer. But, I don't believe you can go wrong w/ either of these box sets.

Like Rubinstein with Chopin, I have always enjoyed performances by a pianist who has a particular affinity for the compositions they are playing. This is no less true here with Mitsuko Uchida and her interpretations of the Mozart piano sonatas. I have these recordings in the Philips Complete Mozart Edition, but got this set regardless, trusting in an improved sound from this 2003 box set. I have not been disappointed. Uchida is wonderful, of course, and the sound is even more rich & inviting than the version from 1988. Mitsuko Uchida is still the gold standard in the digital era on these Mozart solo piano pieces. Her Philips recordings of these works have always been among the most treasured cds in my collection. Coupled with the attractive slim box-set they are now offered in, at bargain price no less, these are records that are virtually irresistible, and automatically self-recommending.

Opinion is divided here about this set, and I'd like to weigh in heavily on the favourable side. I love Uchida's Mozart sonatas. She is to me, with the possible exception of Murray Perahia, the greatest Mozart pianist of our age.

Some people have found Uchida's playing lacking in emotion, but this is music from the Classical era, between the contrapuntal complexities of the Baroque and the sweeping emotion of the Romantic, and one of its defining characteristics is its form or structure. There is plenty of feeling throughout the set - simple joy in the opening Allegro of K545, or lambent beauty in the Adagio cantabile of K333, for example - but it is expressed through carefully crafted form as well as inspired melodic themes and wonderful harmonic creativity and these shine through under Uchida's fingers. There are no sweeping gestures or great gushing outbursts, but for me Mozart's fabulous music comes straight from her heart and goes straight to mine.

Often in a dramatic performance by an actor restraint and control are far more effective in conveying deep feeling than a lot of roaring and gesticulating. Similarly here, where Uchida respects the music's inner structures and lets it speak for itself while obviously loving and feeling it. Consider her playing in the opening Allegro moderato of K330; no flashy tricks or overblown look-how-intensely-I'm-feeling-this techniques, but a lovely, lovely tone, immaculate technique and a wholly involving, beautiful delicacy which brings it completely alive. I couldn't ask for more.

This is the definitive Mozart set for me, and I don't say that lightly given the quality of the competition. It's worth saying, too, that at this price for all five CDs, it's an absolute snip. (Some of us paid an awful lot more in the dim and distant past, and still thought it excellent value). I cannot commend this set too highly. Pure treasure.

I bought this Box set after being bored by Walter Klien's Glib playing of Mozart Sonatas.I find Ms Uchida's Playing rather rote and wooden,Lacking in Character and personality;the lilt,Bounce and adroit twists and turns typical of Mozart are nowhere to be found.The Music does not live and sounds pretty mechanical,the Repeats do not have any subtle inflections or variations and sounds like mere repeats than recollection of the earlier phrasings.The pacing is pretty even as if set to a metronome.
Repeated listenings made this lack of character and Life too apparent,I did not find Uchida using the 'pause' at the end of a phrase but mechanically chugs along.
Thoroughly bored,I purchased the Christoph Eschenbach's set-and voila ,this is turning out to be quite a fine one with plenty of the typical rhythmic thrust and dash of Mozart,with charming phrasing.
Yet I find that I have been spoilt by Clara Haskil's wonderful playing of some of the Mozart sonatas.No one ever comes close.What joy and lilt in her playing!The space in between notes are crucial and this adds the magic in her phrasing,and this is totally missing in this Uchida set.
I also have in mind to explore Pires's set of Mozart sonatas.I would suggest that listener's explore these sets that are far superior to Uchida.
Ofcourse clara Haskil is unmatched in Mozart.How many of her recordings of Mozart Sonatas are available?!

It boggles one's mind that a couple of reviewers ranked this set less than a 5. This is a classic. It is timeless. A simple linear rating system is not qualified to measure Uchida's performance here. The only other Mozart piano sonatas disc I listen as much as I do this 5-disc set is Perahia's masterpiece single CD recording Mozart: Piano Sonatas K.310, 331 & 533/494. At every level, including the top notch recording audio quality, this set is in its own league. One is first struck by the effortless simplicity of Uchida's playing, immediately taken by the pure elegance, even in the early sonatas, then the rich complexity of Mozart's musical genius and the indefinite nuances of Uchida's artistry set in, making the listener want to hum to the sparkling notes and weep during the haunting passages. One instrument, one player, endless drama. To be savored like that most special bottle of wine in your precious possession.

always wanted the complete piano sonatas from Mozart on my player to hear it uninterrupted, and this recording gives me the greates listening pleasure. i fallowed Miss Uchida from Wienna, when she was a sudent there in the late 1950's, and her playing became the finest interpretation of Mozart;-and she must have known Bela Bartok's take on the piano as a percussion instrument, and her oriental background help to bring wonderful coloration to her sound,palyfulness, and lightness,as if sunlight bouces off from fresh snow.
--would Mozart love to hear her playing? he would dance with her.--A B Vizy.

Listening to Mitzuko's Piano Sonatas introduced me to a profundity in Mozart's playful ironies which I had never heard before. These sonatas cry short tears in between their jocularity. They dwell in melancholia and even bitter self-derision, with all sorts of layers of self-consciousness (especially doubt) which I had not occurred to me in Mozart's Sonatas before. Of course all that is undertone, but Mitzuko really discovers it in the music. An Amazing Performance.

I completely agree with the assessments about Ms. Uchida's interpretation of Mozart's sonata pieces by other reviewers found elsewhere in this section. But I'd like to comment on two rather mundane issues. First, if you have children taking piano lessons, this is an efficient and economical way to introduce them to Mozart's sonatas. You can then purchase the sonatas collection (by Schirmer's at sheetmusicplus.com) so your child can have the music sheets and the audio to appreciate at least one style of expression for these sonatas. Second, this set of CD's can also be bought at bmgmusic.com for about $14 and change, plus shipping charges (another $10 and change).