Customer Reviews

Mozart: Piano Sonatas

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

 

 

Pletnev is a master at control and expression. No one exhibits a more fluid mastery of the modern piano. This CD is a beautiful interpretation of these classic sonatas and, for someone unfamiliar the URTEXT scores that is sufficient to recommend. The music is great - as is the performer. But if you are looking for an accurate rendition of what Mozart wrote you will not find it here. I was surprised at how often the performer played exactly the opposite of what is on the page. Staccato when legato is indicated, forte and piano dynamics reversed, and, contrary to my understanding of the style of the day, ornamentation played preceding the beat rather than on it. If you want to hear these pieces as written you would be better served by listening to Malcolm Bilson's recordings on the Fortepiano. If you just want a lovely listening experience then this CD will certainly provide it.

I just listened to Pletnev's playing of the Mozart Piano Sonatas. I thought I should write something about it. My favourite pianist is Daniel Barenboim and he plays Mozart's K.332 beautifully. Though, after listening to Pletnev you get two things from it. First of all, although he doesn't play it like 'pearls on the piano keyboard' as Mitsuki Uchida does and she does so splendidly, his playing is heavenly beautiful. Secondly, there's this unique Pletnev style which resonates througout this CD.
Especially the third movement of the 332 sonata. As if gliding on the piano, playing all the sonatas with a very much free Rubato which only emphasizes how beautiful these sonatas are. There's the 'Alla Turca' sonata as well, although the last part being played quite a lot, Pletnev brings a new interpretation to it.
Indeed not only does he know how to play Mozart eloquently, you can also see his own unique style in it.

No words will suffice, one who doesn know his Mozart sonatas must buy this CD. Don't be narrow minded and go by what should be played. One doesn't have to play it 'classicaly' in order for it to sound mesmerizing.

This is a delightful CD. The piano sonatas of Mozart are always amazing and Pletnev plays with his brilliant personal touches that make this CD an uplifting adventure for the ears, mind and soul. It's difficult to frown listening but quite possible to shed a tear of wondrous awe.

This is a beautiful recording of Motzart. Pletnev is a Master. The Bluthner piano seems to do anything that he asks of it. A must have for piano music fans!

Mozart: Piano Sonatas is a 2005 Deutsche Grammophon recording starring pianist Mikhail Pletnev. John Irving has written the music notes. When the booklet claims that the sonatas "take on new shades and colour" then one has to be very good as a pianist. Does he succeed? Well, so so. I prefer the classical approach to playing Mozart. To much experimenting is just that. Not a bad recording but not awesome. Still good enough to get 4 out of 5. Recommended. 4/5.

Fingers are flying everywhere in this Liszt - sorry, Mozart recital but it leaves me unsatisfied, the pyrotechnics notwithstanding.

K 332 in F Major is one of Mozart's most personal creations. It could not have been written by anyone else. There is a deep wellspring of sadness and longing in the Adagio and for all its cleverness, the Allegro Assai that concludes this work is a Farewell Symphony in everything but name. I found no such recognition in the Pletnev. Against my will - and I hold my breath as I type - Ingrid Haebler kept coming to mind spontaneously. Now, this is probably the first and last time that 'Mrs Lady-like' and the great Russian virtuoso are mentioned in the same sentence but in her Philips recording she was deeply alive to these currents Piano Works Complete.

Come the A Major, my mind kept turning to Uchida - Lady Prospero in the Sonatas - whose virtuosity is comparable with Pletnev's own Mozart: 2 Sonatas. She too, with greater poise and poetic insight, goes deeper.

The 'hard brilliance' on display here might be attributable to the DG sound engineers - after all, having so mauled Pollini over the years, why not move onto a new victim. Even so, the outcome is no different. I will not be returning readily to this disc.

Once again, Pletnev brought a centuries-old classical music repertoire into the 21st century, through his both intellegent, courageous, passionate, and worldly interpretation and masterful piano playing technique. This CD is SUBLIME! I generally do not like Mozart. This CD actually does not feel like Mozart as one had experienced before, yet I know it's Mozart. I can only describe Pletnev, as his late fellow Russian countryman George Balanchine has been described in the ballet world, "modern classical!" WOW...

There is only one Mozart, only one Einstein, only one Balanchine, only one Oprah (yes, I like her!,) only one Sofia Loren (I like her too!,) only one Bill Gates (well, someone has to like him,) and only one Pletnev!

THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT MUSIC...