Customer Reviews

Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301, 304, 376 & 526

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hilary Hahn's playing always combines a powerful interpretation with meticulous technique that may very well be the cleanest on the planet. This naturally provokes a lot of curiosity as to how she might approach Mozart, and this disc certainly doesn't disappoint. In this recording she plays the most famous and representative of the Mozart sonatas, and as you might suspect Hahn brings them to life with penetrating intellect and sparkling clarity.

This recording also features a break with traditional articulation. Most modern instrument recordings feature smooth, singing lyricism contrasted with lilting, dance-like lifts of the bow. Hahn defies this tradition, preferring to keep better control of tone with her bow on the string, even in runs that are traditionally bounced for percussive effect. This may disappoint Mozart listeners who feel "dancing" is the only appropriate contrast to "singing", but the result is that Hahn's sound is warm and lush and the resulting continuity allows longer phrasing that is not constantly chopped apart by excessive contrasts in technique.

If you never listen to a lot of Mozart, I think it's unlikely that this rather esoteric debate will affect your experience at all. I warmly recommend this recording as a great value for both its fabulous playing and the very generous and discriminating selection of sonatas included.

With the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birthday in 2006, a new crop of Mozart recordings have been released, including many of his sonatas for violin and pianoforte. Among these are fresh recordings from Mark Steinberg/Mitsuko Uchida, Hilary Hahn/Natalie Zhu, Anne-Sofie Mutter/Lambert Orkis(Aug.'06), Andrew Manze/Richard Elgar and Rachel Podger/Gary Cooper - the latter two on period violin and period fortepiano. Depending on how one feels this music should be played will determine what most appeals to you. All of these new additions seemed to get mixed reviews from the music press. Often in these reviews, mention is made of the historic "Reference Recordings" - those superlative readings that set the standard. And in the case of Mozart's violin sonatas, we have the legendary works of Arther Grumiaux/Haskill and Szeryng/Haebler - both recorded in the 1970's - as well as Perlman/Ashkenazy. Grumiaux in particular of often cited as the standard for Mozart (for most critics) with his ever-smooth, elegant, galante manner and beautiful tonal coloration and equisite vibrato. Like the lead reviewer properly stated in the review on Rachel Podger's release, any artist undertaking such works as these best study the greats that have gone before them.

Out of these newer releases mentioned, the performance that seems to have heeded such advice is that of Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zu - whose readings exude "Mozart" the most clearly and approach the elegance and grace of the past legends. As much as I greatly admire Podger and Manze in the Baroque repertoire, I have to say their take on Mozart did not captivate me. However fans of theirs will likely find much to celebrate - and the fortepiano in those recordings certainly evokes the era of Amadeus.

While the lead reviewer can point out a few weaknesses that mainly professionals will mostly care about, the average listener will probably be thoroughly delighted in the sprightly interaction and appealing performances of this duo. Hahn is one of those performers who playing seems to eminate from her persona - that of a perfected, pure and angelic tone and line. Her violin sounds quite delectable as does the overall sound. Miss Hahn is always a treat to hear and her fans should adore these readings. Overall, I think she finds the right approach here and gives a winning perfomance. Mozart's music was a lot about perfection and poise (ie: classicism) and less about rubato and exentuation, and Hahn plays to that standard. Perhaps she could "loosen the reigns" somewhat at times and alter her shaping of the music, but with such gorgeous playing as hers, such criticism can quickly become irrelevant.

As Mozart often viewed these works more as "piano sonatas with violin accompanyment," it really should be the pianist more fronted in the billing. Equally a star in this CD is Natalie Zhu who brings great dexterity and a perky legato to the music and should be more noted. While I like the sound of the fortepiano can invoke images of Mozart himself, I have to admit I much prefer the modern grand Zhu plays here for its greater depth, richer timbre and wider range of expression. And there is a effortless, seamless partnership between these two musician-friends that is marvelous. So, altogether, this CD is a fine, fresh sampling of Mozart's many violin sonatas and worthy of addition to even a large Mozart collection. I never get tired of these pieces or performance. Uchida's CD is also gorgeous with slightly slower tempos and a very different, more "romantic" violin expression from Mark Steinberg with beautiful sound quality. Get both if you can. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance 5 stars; Sound quality - 5 stars.

I grade my CD's based on how often I play them. I have not removed this recording from my CD player since I bought it. It just keeps becoming more enjoyable. Because of that, I rate this CD 5 stars and well worth it! This one has got to be one of Hilary's best. Power, brilliance and grace mark this entire recording. I have had the privilege of seeing Hilary and Natalie perform this music together so the CD also brings to life the memory of the flawless performances by these two on stage.

Highly Recommended.

This CD contains the most representative sonatas for violin and piano by the great master. It is apt to issue this number during the year's celebration for Mozart's great life and the unimaginable richness in his musical legacy to the posterity. These pieces are unlike Papa Haydn's violin sonatas, in which the violin only plays a secondary role and most of the melodies are on the keyboard. Mozart innovated the genre and elevated the status of violin in the sense that both instruments are partners, with no dominance between the two. Any commentary on the music here will be unnecessary and extraneous since Mozart's masterworks speak for themselves, especially in this CD. Anyone with sense of beauty and symmetry will appreciate it.

Both Ms. Hahn and Ms. Zhu are up to the task in the performance, which is impassioned but with proper reserve and mannerism befitting the "Age of Enlightenment". Namely, it is a rendition with poise and restrain imposed by reason. The execution of passage works is flawless and crystal clean for both performers.

The only flaw, seems to me, is that violin part is too loud when piano has the theme melodies. I doubt Ms. Hahn, as a seasoned player, would commit such mistake, therefore, it is reasonable to attribute this dissonance in an otherwise perfect achievement to acoustic in the recording session.

Just got it today and have only listened to it twice, but I think this one is going to get listened to a lot.

I was wondering why it seemed so enchanting to me. I have heard each of them 3 or 4 times when they were at Curtis together and once in a mini concert together back then. It finally struck me that in addition to fine musicianship, an interpretation that suits my prejudices and all the other fine things the other reviewers said... they play so wonderfully together. I had never realized how much that could add, but doing the dance of the music together the way they do on this recording adds a magical quality.

I hope Natalie Zhu records some solo things. If she does, I'm a buyer.

It is nice to see that music is still produced for the sheer joy of making music. And what other music most exemplifies more than the music of Mozart? I have just purchased this new recording of Mozarts violin sonatas with Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu and am still listening to it. This recording shows the benefit of two artists that have worked and grown together artistically for more than 10 years. This is seemlessly and joyfully played Mozart. While these pieces do not contain melodies that most casual listeners will know it takes no time at all to become familiar with them. Hahn and Zhu show here why classical music never loses its appeal as they play this with the sheer enthusiasm and energy of a premiere rather than music that is more than 200 years old. The closeness of these two performers show in the restraint each shows in quiet passages as well the oneness of thought in their perfect unison in Mozarts many changes of tempi throughout these pieces. Hahn and Zhu show why Mozart is just as exciting and relevant today as it was 200 plus years ago. Beautifully played, wonderfully recorded. This is a great recording and great stress releiver providing the escape muchly needed from the much too trendy world we live in. Buy it now. Play it often.

Listening to these two marvelously talented young women play this delightful music is an occasion for great joy. To hear both of them not only playing their parts but also listening to each other for inspiration is to hear the music of Mozart not as something more than 200 years old, but as something very much alive today.

Those new to classical music often start with large-scale forms--symphonies and concertos. There are also great rewards to be found in the more intimate forms, such as the violin sonatas included in this program. I have listened to recordings of sonatas where it sounded as though the performers were trying to make some sort of academic point; however, listening to these performers made me think that their agenda was simply to get together and play music that they loved to play. How fortunate we are to be able to taste the fruits of that labor of love! To all music fans, I recommend this recording, but especially to those who feel they could use a little comfort and joy in their too-busy lives.

At first glance seeing Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu on the cover of a CD of Mozart Violin Sonatas seems like a nonsequitor. Hahn is a very popular violinist but more closely identified with the big Concerto repertoire than with Mozart pieces. But with age comes greater appreciation of the early important works of the masters and that seems to be the case here (and who can forget her recording of the Bach solo sonatas and partitas?).

Though more often heard in the scaled down sound of Mozart's period with the pianoforte substituting for the contemporary piano, here Hahn and Zhu find the beauty of tone and warmth of phrasing and textures that fits these sonatas very well indeed. The sound Hahn produces is absolutely glorious: she frolics through the playful A Major Sonata, K. 526, dances with the lightness of the G Major K. 301 and F Major K. 376 sonatas, and yet plumbs the sadness of the Sonata in E Minor K. 304. The two artists are perfectly paired and their years of collaboration clearly shine in this very clean recording. It is a welcome gift for Mozart's 250th birthday! Grady Harp, October 05

This recording has stood the test of time in my ever-rotating CD collection. Hahn's playing on this disc is simply excellent. These women have such a fine musical chemistry between them. Like at least one other reviewer, however, I only wish that Zhu's playing was a bit more equal in the mix. Despite that one misgiving, I continue to enjoy this music time and time again. I highly recommend it!

I love Hilary Hahn. Just listened to her Barber and OMG. The third movement is crazy fast and super snazzy! Yes, I said Snazzy. But back to Mozart. I have enjoyed this album for a while now and YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS CD!!! Buy it....you'll never look back. Mozart's perfection is reflected in this amazing duo's crystal clear, precise and beaUtiful playing. ENJOY!