Schubert: Piano Sonata in E-flat major, D. 568, 6 Moments musicaux

Franz [Vienna] Schubert (Composer), Mitsuko Uchida (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Mitsuko Uchida
• Composer: Franz [Vienna] Schubert
• Audio CD (March 12, 2002)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00005Y358
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,230 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uchida is Transcendent, April 2, 2005

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Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Schubert: Piano Sonata in E-flat major, D. 568, 6 Moments musicaux (Audio CD)

The piano works of Franz Schubert are some of the most personal works in the literature. Mitsuko Uchida, now considered the premiere interpreter of Schubert's Sonatas and other works for the piano, here performs quiet magic with the E-flat major sonata. Her warmth and attention to the inner melodic lines which Schubert develops so completely make this recording have the feeling we are in a private performance, and part of that must be attributed to the fine engineering by Philips. This sonata is not thundering Schubert, but instead is a work by the young Schubert just beginning to explore his gifts.

Coupled with this fairly short sonata (about thirty minutes in Uchida's hands) is accompanied by a reading of the beloved 'Moments musicaux' in as beautiful a performance as has been captured on recording. Uchida emphasizes the song quality of these pieces, as though setting the stage for the many later song cycles for voice and piano Schubert would write and Uchida would work in collaboration! This is elegant music for quiet moments, for private introspection. A stunning CD. Grady Harp, April 05

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The sparkling approach of a great maestro to a wonderful music, August 22, 2010

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P. Adrian "Adrian" (Arad, Romania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Schubert: Piano Sonata in E-flat major, D. 568, 6 Moments musicaux (Audio CD)

When speaking of Schubert's keyboard output, for many years I have counted - among the living pianists - only Alfred Brendel and Radu Lupu on my short list of greatest interpreters. Their artistic trajectories and personal gifts seem particularly shaped for the delicate, perfumed melodies and playful rhythms Schubert - towering the border between Classical and Romantic eras - conjured up so often in his work.

However, I must gladly admit my short list has slightly enlarged lately, especially since I encountered Mitsuko Uchida's renditions gathered in a splendid collection of 8 CDs (issued by Philips five years ago), of which the one under consideration here bears number 1 though it was recorded (in 2001) towards the end of her Schubert traversal. It comprises a lively - and lovely - Sonata in E flat major D568 (dating from 1817) and those unparalleled 6 Moments musicaux D780.

The Sonata in E flat major D 568, belonging to the early years in Schubert creation, breathes thus an infectious optimism, unfolding vivid rhythms and charming melodies by exploring a light-hearted mood. Uchida plays it in a magisterial way, with great care for the minute detail, but keeping a sense of narration throughout, never losing the main line or stepping out the proper pace. Each movement receives its own touch, the lyrical "Andante molto" delicately follows that playful "Allegro moderato" based on haunting frisky melodies. The final movement also sparks in Uchida's hands, whose joy of playing such a wonderful music is more than obvious.

Then, what an inspiration in Moments musicaux! How serene dances the No.3 in F minor! What colours of resignation emerge from the placid No.6 in A flat major! How lyrical and wrapping the No.2 in A flat major occurs!

Mitsuko Uchida proves to be one of the greatest pianists of our time, uniquely combining in her playing an undiminished powerful technique with a noble sense of transcendence. She rethinks all she plays, putting the score in a subtle accord with both her profound feelings and robust knowledge. In Schubert, this is the way to achieve seductive and truly faithful accounts. Therefore, now in my preferences this special Japanese pianist has definitely - and definitively! - gathered the select group of accomplished Schubertians bringing her unique and inspired insight to a delightful music for ages.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice interpretation, July 8, 2007

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Chiara Lama (Roma, RM Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schubert: Piano Sonata in E-flat major, D. 568, 6 Moments musicaux (Audio CD)

I got the CD because I had no edition of Schubert's D568 piano sonata. Mitsouko Uchida's rendition is very good, intense and clear. The Moments musicaux are even better. I have listened to her live and think she is one of the most interesting pianist of her generation