Customer Reviews

Mozart: 3 Piano Sonatas Klaviersonaten KV309, 310 and 311

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Prior to buying this disc of three Mozart Piano Sonatas, my only experience with pianist Mitsuko Uchida was on several albums of Schubert's Sonatas. Those Schubert CDs were all delightful, and in hindsight I can't believe I didn't approach her Mozart titles until recently. There should be no complaints about this recording of Piano Sonatas KV 309-311 from February 1985. Her playing is of unbelievable virtuosity, heartfelt sympathy and understanding. Well, actually I can think of one problem, this disc could have easily added another sonata or two since the CD logs in at under an hour. But alas that would spoil the flow and balance of these three works, which were originally published together. Sometimes less is indeed more, and these three sonatas form a perfect union. This is truly timeless piano playing.

The version of the A minor sonata is one of the finest recorded, and is worth the purchase of this CD. The other two are excellent, but there are other great interpretations ...there will always be quibbles about this that or the other, but overall this represents one of the best in Mitsuko Uchida's much-praised cycle. Star docked only because the program is a tad short for a full priced disc.

The music is, of course, by Mozart and requires no salesmanship. Ms. Uchida's performance achieves that highest level of artistry wherein you feel that nothing stands between you and the composer. Her limpid interpretations will sound as simple and correct 50 years from now as they do today. Brava!

I'd like to be as good at ANYTHING as Mitsuko Uchida is in these works; strong conception of the music, fine technique, unbelievable bending of the piano's sound to the purposes of the music. Buy and listen with jaw dropped.

Mitsuko Uchida has discovered Mozart's style and voice. Henceforth, Uchida conveys a recognizeable, identifiable language in her playing embodying Mozart's rhetoric, his devices, his formal structures. Uchida exemplifies the supreme artist transcending issues of personality, of self-revelation, of originality. In this view, perfection, beauty, and universality issue from the suppression of individuality. Uchida demonstrates the inner compositional originality and the unprecedented expressivity of his work. Mozart was indeed a master imitator, capable of working in a large variety of styles; opera, instrumental and church music, string quartetes. In every note, phrase, movement, Uchida's ability to bring this lyricism and bel canto line to the
sonatas is magnificant. She plays on the edge by modifying naive psychological atmosphere, sharpening contrasts, and deepening expressivity. Uchida's outer movements take on a new character, the opening movements now exhibiting an exuberant, festive brilliance and the slow movements conveying an unaccustomed inwardness of expression, with occasional darkenings through minor keys, underscoring a thoughtful pathos while retaining the expected qualities of grace and tenderness. The dance movements too, acquire an unencumbered freshness and solidity, with highlighting the burlesque and folkish elements, without a hint of coarseness. In all of Uchida's playing the works are filled with a "subjective tension, giving up diffuse psychological indifference and developing in the direction of a deepened world of feeling."
Always viewing the world from novel perspectives, Mozart cannot help but reshape traditions, however comforting they may be; he cannot help probing beyond the gentle longings of the serenader, who keeps his darker passions at bay, hidden within the lulling rhythms of the simulated lute accompaniment.

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus.(MT) A.Mus. L.R.S.M. Licentiate (hon.)

I love this recording. Uchida has a way of using contrast which really makes Mozart exciting to listen too. Her playing has incredible subtlty and nuance, which is characteristic of music of the classical era, however, her playing is never so subtle as to be boring! I liked classical era music before I bought this disc, but this disc really helped me gain a new appreciation for Mozart because her playing really makes the music interesting.

I am a serious piano player who has had an interest in Mozart since the time I was a child. I have heard and own many different recordings of Mozart Sonatas and I am most impressed by this particular artist. Her interpretations of the Mozart Sonatas are downright breathtaking.

Mitsuko plays with precision, sensitivity and a deep understanding of the period and music. In my opinion, she is the best interpreter of Mozart making recordings today. If you are a fan of Mozart and don't own at least one of her albums, you may want to seriously consider getting at least one. Her tone is simply amazing as well. Even Mozart himself would be proud to own these! If you haven't listened to the samples, above it's worth the effort and the CDs are even better.