Mozart Piano Sonatas: K. 330, K. 333, K. 279

On this CD:

1. Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, K. 330 (K. 300h)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2. Piano Sonata No. 13 in B flat major, K. 333 (K. 315c)c
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

3. Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, K. 279 (K. 189d)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 2. Menuetto I - II
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 2. Menuetto
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 1. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 2. Andante amoroso
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 1. Adagio
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 2. Menuetto I - II
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 2. Rondo en Polonaise. Andante
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 3. Andante - Thema - Variations I-XII
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 1. Allegro con spirito
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 2. Andante un poco adagio
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 3. Rondeau. Allegretto grazioso
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 1. Allegro con spirito
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 2. Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 3. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 1. Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 2. Andante cantabile
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 1. Andante grazioso - Thema - Variations I - VI
Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 2. Menuetto - Trio
Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 3. Alla turca. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 3. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 2. Andante cantabile
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 3. Allegretto grazioso
Fantasia In C Minor, K. 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Primo tempo
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 1. Molto allegro
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 1. Allegro (K. 533)
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 2. Andante (K. 533)
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 3. Rondo. Allegretto (K. 494)
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 3. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Mozart-A prisoner of his own time........2006-09-08

If you were to clump all of the composers of the classical era together, mix them up, and listen to them willy-nilly in a blind hearing test, you'll never be able to tell the difference between them... until you hear Mozart. Mozart's era was not rich in harmony. To me, Haydn wrote the same symphony over and over. Stamitz and Gossec... love 'em, but they were also prisoners of this classical harmony. But Mozart was able to put his fingerprint on all of his music. You can pick his music out blindly with ease because it is unmistakingly Mozart. That's why we have a mostly Mozart festival and not a mostly Kraus (who?) festival.

As this cd shows, Mozart's music was sublime. But even he struggled with using this "harmony of the day". If you were to study the catalogues of Mozart's symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music, let's face it; you would hear a lot of turkies before you made it to the peacocks. We would have to wait until Chopin until the harmonies fattened up a little.

Having said that, you have to completely hail Mozart for taking what was available to him in his day and creating some of the most sublime music with it. It would be like for the next ten years all the world had available to eat was peas, and 200 years from now one man became immortal for the many interesting ways he was able to manipulate peas into a meal.

Good music and good value.......2006-08-28

Bought this for my son who is learning to play piano. Lots of good music, not too expensive.

Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks.......2005-11-11

This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly.

FINALLY.......2004-08-05

I've searched the world over for a box set of all of Mozart's piano sonatas that I liked. The first one I heard was the Glenn Gould version, which in retrospect was not so smart. I like his playing but he hums into the mic during the recording. Real smart.

Anyways, Eschenbach plays these with all the virtuosity and feeling they demand. My favorite piano sonata is Mozart's 12th and he plays it flawlessly; the only thing remotely lacking is that he doesn't quite dig in as much as Alicia de la Roccha does when she plays it on the Allegro movement, but he more than makes up for it with his playing on the Adagio movement.

If it's not your cup of tea it might be worthwhile getting the de la Roccha box set, but personally I think the Eschenbach recording is the best out of all of them.

Neglected recording.......2003-02-03

As I remember, Eschenbach's DGG recording of the Mozart sonatas didn't make a big splash when it was released. Maybe another set of these familiar works wasn't what the reviewers wanted to hear at that time. However, repeated listenings over the past three decades have borne out that these are indeed fine performances, with certain among my favorites. The recording is rather close-up, which suits Eschenbach's generally crisp and bold style. Haven't heard the CDs, but the LPs had the typical DGG bass-shyness of the period. However, lack of thunderous bass is hardly fatal to Mozart piano works.

Listeners may want to investigate a new set by Elizabeth Rich being released on Connoisseur Society. The first two CDs are outstanding, with that company's beautiful recorded sound to boot.

Now an afterthought: In connection with the review I posted in February 2003, I am happy to report that the bass-shyness I noted on the LPs is NOT a problem on the CDs. Apparently good, solid bass was present on the original tapes, but DGG cut it back, as they did on many of their piano recordings of that era.

So I would recommend Eschenbach's CD set heartily. Further, Elizabeth Rich's set on Connoisseur Society is now complete, and no one will regret owning that one as well. (Unfortunately, it's at full price, expensive even on the Web.)

After the other reviewer's comments about the notes, I decided to read them and, yes, they are indeed kind of ditzy. I suspect that the translator is at least partly at fault.

Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations

Average customer rating:

like sparkling mineral water
Soulless Rendition
Lovely
Top notch performances
Very good, but a bit misleading?

Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Mozart: The Complete Piano Concertos
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

ASIN: B00004YA0U
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Allegro
I: Allegro Assai
II: Adagio
III: Presto
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Amoroso
III: Rondeau: Allegro
I: Adagio
II: Menuetto I - Menuetto II
III: Allegro
I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Presto

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Rondeau En Polonaise: Andante
III: Tema (Andante) Con Variazioni (I-XII)
I: Allegro Con Spirito
II: Andante Un Poco Adagio
III: Rondeau: Allegretto Grazioso
I: Allegro Maestoso
II: Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
III: Presto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Spirito
II: Andantino Con Espressione
III: Rondeau: Allegro
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegretto
I: Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni (I-VI)
II: Menuetto - Trio
III: Alla Turca: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegretto Grazioso
Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu Allegro - Tempo I
I: Molto Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Rondo
I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegretto

Tracks:

Tema ('Laat Ons Juichen'): Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7: Adagio
Variation 8: Tempo I
Tema (Air): Allegro
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5: Adagio
Variation 6: Tempo I
Variation 7
Tema (Menuetto): Andante
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5: Adagio
Variation 6: Allegretto
Tema (Menuet)
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Allegro
Tema (Air): Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8: Tempo Di Menuetto
Variation 9
Variation 10: Allegretto
Variation 11
Variation 12: Molto Adagio
Allegretto

Tracks:

Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Allegro
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Presto
Tema: Andante
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8: Adagio
Variation 9: Allegro
Tempo Di Tema
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7: Adagio
Variation 8: Allegro
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6

Tracks:

Tema: Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9: Adagio
Variation 10: Allegro
(Tempo I)
Tema: Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Allegro
(Tempo I)
Tema: Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8: Adagio
Variation 9: Allegro
(Tempo I)
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7: Adagio
Variation 8: Allegro
(Tempo I)

Customer Reviews:

like sparkling mineral water.......2006-12-22

It is something near to a cleansing experience to listen through the Mozart piano repertoire as performed by Daniel Barenboim.

For starters, Mozart achieves his sparest, cleanest, most limpid lines when writing for solo piano. Then comes Daniel Barenboim, whose reading of Mozart is crisply and unemotionally classical. Not for him the drawn-out keyboard soliloquy. On the contrary, Barenboim gives us Mozart, only Mozart, and nothing but Mozart, clean and shimmering as sparkling mineral water.

This is not to say that Barenboim as pianist is unfeeling. On the contrary, the Fantasia in C Minor - to choose just one example with almost random lack of care - is quite moving. But not with a flourish. Rather, with almost sinewy restraint. The presentation represents a fine grasp of the master composer, nurtured with discipline across the length and breadth of the voluminous sonatas.

Indeed, the sheer volume of the Mozart piano sonatas is intimidating. It is astonishing to imagine one man having mastered it as Barenboim has. EMI Classics has done us the favor of collecting these two gentlemen's asynchronic collaboration in one set, affordable at that.

If Mozart is a musician for the ages and Barenboim a performer who left a formidable imprint on the twentieth century, their collaboration as represented in these recordings is a watershed that will need to be referenced by students of classical piano for at least another hundred years, or until people can only remember as far back as the Dixie Chicks.

Buy Barenboim on Mozart before that happens, and so stick your thumb in the dike against the evil day.

Soulless Rendition.......2005-10-16

I have several artists' renditions of Mozart's piano sonatas in my library. Daniel Barenboim's is the worst. His technique is timid. His rendition is soulless and perfunctory. I regret purchasing this collection. The best rendition I have is the collection of Glenn Gould. If you like Mozart's piano sonatas played the way Mozart intended, give Barenboim a pass and listen to Gould.

Lovely.......2005-03-17

As a pianist myself, I love Barenboim's playing. He does not play Mozart too Beethoven like. His performances are usually VERY good, and this is one example. Also includes the complete variations, which are very nice. The sound quality is excellent. Very highly recommended.

"The sonatas of Mozart are unique: too easy for children, too difficult for adults. Children are given Mozart to play because of the quantity of notes; grown ups avoid him because of the quality of notes." - Artur Schnabel

Top notch performances.......2004-06-17

Daniel Barenboim played this whole set with an interesting approach to WAM . The notations about classical , beethovenian style are always hazardous.
When you are a musician you must avoid in the cliche , and you should feel the music as a whole and the playing must be the consequence of a overlong process that begins in your soul , then your inner mood , your intellect and finally your fingers. I remark the aspect when you are in front of Mozart, Beethoven Wagner, Bruckner, Bach , Schubert and Bartok , because these composers are in a highest level than the others and the music itself is merely a device for expressing deeper issues.
That's why this set is superb. Barenboim plays a Mozart rich in expresiveness , he gives to Mozart presence .
Barenboim plays music as Vegh or Furtwangler did it , always seeking the landscape far beyond the score . That's why they are so original in their performances . The rapture is not a device for exhibite his skills , it''s the final product of a long process.
Acquire this set. It's an unvaluable treasure.

Very good, but a bit misleading?.......2004-05-15

Barenboim playing Mozart has his critics, who say he's "too Beethovian" when performing Mozart's piano sonatas and piano concertos. I disagree; I love his style. Others might not.

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Allegro
Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Andante
Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Allegro
Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Allegro Assai
Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Adagio
Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Presto
Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Allegro
Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Andante Amoroso
Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Rondeau[Allegro]
Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Adagio
Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Menuetto 1 & 2
Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Allegro
Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Allegro
Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Andante
Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Presto
Allegro
Rondeau En Polonaise (Andante)
Tema Con Variazioni
1. Allegro Con Spirito
2. Andante, Un Poco Adagio
3. Rondeau (Allegretto Grazioso)
1. Allegro Maestoso
2. Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
3. Presto
1. Allegro Con Spirito
2. Andantino Con Espressione
3. Rondeau (Allegro)
1. Allegro Moderato
2. Andante Cantabile
3. Allegretto
1. Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni
2. Menuetto
3. Alla Turca (Allegretto)
1- Sonata In F, Kv 332-300k - Allegro
2- Adagio
3- Allegro Assai
1- Sonata In B Flat, Kv 333-315c - Allegro
2- Andante Cantabile
3- Allegretto Grazioso
Fantasia In C Minor Kv 475 (Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu` Alleg Ro - Tempo I)
1- Sonata In C Minor, Kv 457 - Molto Allegro
2- Adagio
3- Allegro Assai
1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Rondo (Allegro)
1. Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Allegretto
1. Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Allegretto
1. Allegro, Kv 533
2. Andante, Kv 533
3. Rondo (Allegretto ), Kv 494

Customer Reviews:

One of the best compilations.......2007-05-06

Classic Mitsuko Uchida. She loves Mozart, and you can tell from this ultra slim box set.

Mitsuko the light on keybord........2007-01-12

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.

Please ignore the low reviews on this set!.......2006-04-12

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.

Weird, weird recording.......2006-03-09

I only gave this 1 star because its a required feild, I can't enter 0.
I am still finding it hard to believe this set of recordings passed quality control before being burnt to CD.
Didn't anyone listen to them first?
The recording technique is trully awful and given that this is modern recording, there is no excuse. There are a lot of strange resonances going on at a level which seriously interferes with the actual music. Not only that, arpeggios are like Uzzi submachine guns wherein the sound of the ivories hitting the wooden keyboard base are so much louder than the notes it's like a woodpecker hacking into a redwood while very quietly humming the tune in the background.
In fact this is a great recording of everything except the music.
Weird!
I didn't understand someones comment until I heard Barenboims set of sonatas, but now I do. Uchidas' playing here really is like someone reading it for the first time, no colour, no life. In fact a painting by numbers picture before being coloured in.
Don't get me wrong, I wish I could play half as well as her but if you want to hear the best, this isn't it.
So far the best I've heard is Barenboim but I'll soon investigate Brautigam, Baruda-Skoda and Moravec... great fun but i guess we have to accept a few disappointments like this on our expedition.

1991 Gramophone Award Winner.......2005-02-12

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. All the sonatas are here enjoyable and highly musical in their own right. Additionally, I also think 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 recreates 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 notes as well). But perhaps Ms. Uchida is trying to stay closer 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 ... but I still find the sound quality a bit thin and slightly unfulfilling nevertheless. However, it is certainly not disappointing enough to keep one from acquiring the set and fully enjoying the music. Just imagine Mozart playing his little fortepiano to tickle the fancy of the fickle Viennese aristocrats, and the sound of Uchida's piano and playing fall nicely into place.

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 high on many's list and 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 (but it lacks some of the magic Uchida brings). A cycle that did not seem to recreate the 18th-century spirit of these sonatas was that of Spaniard Alicia de Larrocha - whose full, grand piano sound and greater embellishments did not seem to fit the genre as well as Uchida's more intimate pianism and sound (to me at least). Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev brings his characteristic dynamism and dazzling velocity to K.330-332/K.457 in a 2006 DG release (that did not garner great music-industry reviews though). 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 the music. But it may be hard to top Mitsuko Uchida in Mozart's sonatas. Most major reviews I have read seem to think so too. Compositions - 4 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 4 stars.

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas; Fantasias & Rondos

Average customer rating:

Wonderful articulation is her hallmark
Amazing performances of amazing music!
Good Performance, bad recording
Devoted collection by a mature virtuoso.

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas; Fantasias & Rondos

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mozart: Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn
Mozart: Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000CNTLW
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful articulation is her hallmark.......2007-07-09

The collection is spectacular. Larrocha's nimble fingers and clear articulation make it a joy to listen to her interpretations of Mozart. The very familiar "A la turca" is given a lighthearted yet sensitive interpretation that makes it a great listening experience. This is definitely a set to own.

Amazing performances of amazing music!.......2006-09-27

I can't compare this to other Mozart Sonata cycles, but after looking hard at which set to purchase, I bought these and have been extremely pleased. I have not noticed any recording problems with the 2nd and 3rd disks, but I am no expert. I think the whole set sounds wonderful! And you cannot beat the price. I just wish she had a complete cycle of Mozart's Piano Concerti available!

Good Performance, bad recording.......2004-09-14

The performance of Laroccha is exceptional, the trills are fantastic and some of the sonatas are almost perfect. The whole compilation sounds very mozartian and may disturb some people that are used into more sweet and passion performances. However the recording of the 2nd and 3rd CD is terrible, it sounds like there is echo in the recording and it becomes very annoying and fuzzy. The key of a good mozart recording is brightness and music purity, which definately this compilation lacks.
Brendel's mozart sonatas sound better for me, however he has not recorded all of them in a single complilation such as this.

Devoted collection by a mature virtuoso........2004-02-07

Listen to Alicia de Larrocha performing the exposition of the first movement of Mozart's Piano Sonata in Bb major, K. 333--my favorite of the great composer's sonata; the absolute pinnacle of Classical beauty. You will hear a consummate artist devoted to the detail and refinement of this glorious music. Collected here in 5 CDs are the complete Mozart Sonatas and a few minor works to fill out the discs. I don't believe in the concept of a 'definitive' performance or recording-especially for a body of work as extensive and diverse as this, and so would never claim such a title for this or any performance-but de Larrocha's set is definitely worth having. She takes a refined, subtle approach, never exaggerating or turning Mozart into a Romantic, but always emphasizing the Classical sense of balance. Even in as "romantic" a work as the Presto of the Sonata in A minor K. 310, she plays expressively and emotionally, but within a Classical aesthetic, always exercising great control and touch. Dynamics and tempi are varied, certainly, but within a more discrete range than some of our more flamboyant pianists. This, for me, is the charm of de Larrocha's approach-perhaps, for some listeners, its downfall. Here's where the concept of definitive recordings fails completely. Do we try to listen to Mozart in an historical context, as he himself might have heard it, or do we take a Postmodern approach? Having lived after the Romantic period and even the Twentieth Century now, do we perform and prefer Mozart played on an instrument he never knew, allowing innovations of interpretation developed after his death to shape a new vision of his works? Both are possible, and in today's world, where Bond and Maksim pass unremarked as Classical musicians to my great disgust, mass audiences give no favor to historical context. De Larrocha clearly prefers the informed, appropriate approach, although she plays on a modern grand piano, and the music glows under her loving hands. Listen, for example, to the lovely Adagio from K. 280, one of Mozart's earlier sonatas.

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1 In C Major, K.279: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 1 In C Major, K.279: II. Andante
Sonata No. 1 In C Major, K.279: III. Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In F Major, K.280: I. Allegro Assai
Sonata No. 2 In F Major, K.280: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 2 In F Major, K.280: III. Presto
Sonata No. 3 In B Flat Major, K.281: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In B Flat Major, K.281: II. Andante Amoroso
Sonata No. 3 In B Flat Major, K.281: III. Rondeau. Allegro
Sonata No. 4 In E Flat Major, K.282: I. Adagio
Sonata No. 4 In E Flat Major, K.282: II. Menuetto I - Menuetto II
Sonata No. 4 In E Flat Major, K.282: III. Allegro
Sonata No. 5 In G Major, K.283: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 5 In G Major, K.283: II. Andante
Sonata No. 5 In G Major, K.283: III. Presto
Sonata No. 6 In D Major, K.284: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 6 In D Major, K.284: II. Rondeau en Polonaise. Andante
Sonata No. 6 In D Major, K.284: III. Theme. Andante - Variationen I - XII

Tracks:

Sonata No. 7 In C Major, K.309: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Sonata No. 7 In C Major, K.309: II. Andante Un Poco Adagio
Sonata No. 7 In C Major, K.309: III. Rondeau. Allegretto Grazioso
Sonata No. 8 In A Minor, K.310: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sonata No. 8 In A Minor, K.310: II. Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
Sonata No. 8 In A Minor, K.310: III. Presto
Sonata No. 9 In D Major, K.311: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Sonata No. 9 In D Major, K.311: II. Andante Con Espressione
Sonata No. 9 In D Major, K.311: III. Rondeau. Allegro
Sonata No. 10 In C Major, K.330: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata No. 10 In C Major, K.330: II. Andante Cantabile
Sonata No. 10 In C Major, K.330: III. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: I. Tema. Andante Grazioso E Variazioni
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: II. Menuet -Trio
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: III. (Rondo) Alla Turca. Allegretto
Sonata No. 12 In F Major, K.332: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 12 In F Major, K.332: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 12 In F Major, K.332: III. Allegro Assai
Sonata No. 13 In B Flat Major, K.333: I. (Allegro)
Sonata No. 13 In B Flat Major, K.333: II. (Andante Cantabile)
Sonata No. 13 In B Flat Major, K.333: III. (Allegretto Grazioso)
Sonata No. 14 In C Minor, K.457: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 14 In C Minor, K.457: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 14 In C Minor, K.457: III. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No. 15 In F Major, K.533: I Allegro (K.533)
Sonata No. 15 In F Major, K.533: II. Andante (K.533)
Sonata No. 15 In F Major, K.533: III. Rondo. Allegretto (K.494)
Sonata No. 16 In C Major, K.545 'Sonata Facile': I. Allegro
Sonata No. 16 In C Major, K.545 'Sonata Facile': II. Andante
Sonata No. 16 In C Major, K.545 'Sonata Facile': III. Rondo. Allegretto
Sonata No. 17 In B Flat Major, K.570: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 17 In B Flat Major, K.570: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In B Flat Major, K.570: III. Allegretto
Sonata No. 18 In D Major, K.576: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 18 In D Major, K.576: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 18 In D Major, K.576: III. Allegretto
Fantasia In D Minor, K.397: Andante
Fantasia In C Minor, K.475: Adagio

Customer Reviews:

Gould and Mozart..........2006-10-27

Anyone who is a fan of Gould knows his personal opinion of the Mozart sonatas. Listening to this interpretation of Mozart is about as entertaining as being in a room full of typewriters and screaming infants--both monotonous and completely irritating at the same time. If you're new to Gould go to his interpretation of Bach's Well Tempered Clavier or the English suites...if you want definitive recordings of the Mozart sonatas try Brendel, Eschenbach or Uchida. There is no denying Gould's genius...it just not found in this recording.

Genius plays Genius.......2006-10-22

Gould has the most crisp keyboard execution and the brighest tone I've ever heard. His clarity during the fastest passages is frightening. My favorite of his playing in the box set is: Sonata no.8, 1st movement-extreme powerhouse virtuoso performance(I get quite worked up when I listen to it!) His rendition of Sonata no.11 Ronda Alla Turca may be annoying to some(slow); also some people may think many of the adagios are too slow; But the first and third movements make up for that; And when it comes to counterpoint, technique, clarity of voicings, and spirit, Gould is the best.

SCARY !.......2006-08-04

I guess I'd have to agree with those who feel that Gould was somehow ridiculing Mozart with this interpretation. It's all a matter of taste, and some obviously find this bizarre, eccentric recording to their liking, but if you're an average listener who is not into the weird stuff and just wants a decent set of Mozart's Piano Sonatas, this probably isn't for you, as it isn't for me.

Good for playing in shopping malls or "romantic evenings"..........2006-05-13

I gave up an initial idea to be a referee to all these pro et contra comments; simply, because I eternally love Mozart, and this ridiculous playing really harms me. People are looking for a quality entertainment, not for some silly demonstration. Mr. Gould should be awared that his crisp technique means absolutely nothing to millions who are looking for right performance of Mozart's "11.-14." sonatas. Nevertheless, his knowing of style is undeniable which makes impression that his neglect playing is deeply purposeful. The question arises who he tries to intrigue, an audience or Mozart; an audience won't tolerate it. Mozart, on the contrary, "knew" that the world is full of different kinds of "wizards" and "creative genius" so his A-dur sonata is probably his testimony to all these "humans".

An A-dur sonata is a kind of "board exam" to all eminent keyboardists. Some of them play brilliantly just one of movements but have no energy to make complete sonata polished. Even though the style is well-known ,"or is it?", pianists usually lack the energy in the allegretto which lids them to bring just an ordinary performance. Glenn Gould,a smarty guy, avoids any personal inconvenience by a little "recreating" the whole piece. Changing a tempos, he brakes the sonata in to three pieces with ambiguous concept.

Sonatas 12. and 14. are tent to be Ok. I'l let it go, just as it is- a little tolerance of mine. Now, a famous "c-mol" K.457 is totally ruined. It starts with a good tempo which is introduction to a great tragedy that might follow. However, Glenn Gould misses to underline beginnings and ends of phrases in the exposition of the themes, so he misses the whole Allegro movement, then his escape is a make up, adding ornamentations in "Allegro assai" which I found complete lack of wisdom and good sense. The rest of sonatas is just demonstration of his superior technique which is completely unbearable.

In addition, a "closer look" to tempos of "c-mol" pair, fantasia and sonata, reveals a question whether Glenn Gould is able to make the whole idea realized, particularly if a concept is embedded with a new material such as tonalities and tempi. He just elaborates his own stubborn concept, based on virtuoso technique, and unchangeable, perfect but pointless even disturbing articulation- what a horrable iterpretation! This two pieces were turnover in Mozart's style and, thus, ask for really intelligent musician to reveal full blast of new ideas charged with personal emotions and inner tensions. It is -too much, for Glenn.

(we live in a real world and I find myself as a medioceree among other people devoted to science, my job)- but I love Mozart!

For the A-dur sonata I'd highly recommend Anthony Newman's recordings, also Newman is the best at Tragic K.310, Sonata Semplice and all early sonatas, particularly K.280 and the following G-dur; and following is my list of favorite recordings: Jos Van Immerseel and Demus Jorg- concertos, Ton Koopman and Pierre Hantai early works for harpsichord, Jeno Jando K.311, Bart Van Oort pair "c-mol" fantasia and sonata, and "d-mol" fantasia, as well, John Van Buskirk K.282, Rampe K.332, Lars-Urlik Mortnsen three concertos K.107, Levin early concertos 1-4 after C.P.E.Bach...Also I highly recomend virtuoso duos: Immerseel- Schroeder 6 Vienna sonatas K.296- 380; and Davos- Kuijken K. 526...
Mirro

Mozart For Masochists.......2006-04-06

I love Glenn Gould -- when he's playing Bach, that is. But Gould hated Mozart, and while some of his early Mozart recordings are quite nice, the Mozart recordings he did in the 60's and 70's (i.e., on these discs) were simply bizarre. And not in a good way. They are exhibitions in spite, and spite is not fun to listen to. Granted, some of the slow movements are played beautifully -- but there's more to Mozart than slow movements. The fast movements (i.e., two thirds of the music in the average sonata) are a horror.

If you want to hear Gould at his eccentric best, buy anything he did with Bach -- or his Haydn albums, his early Beethoven sonatas (avoid Sonata No. 23, though), his Sibelius, Scriabin, Schoenberg or his Byrd & Gibbons albums. But stay clear of Mozart.

Mozart: The Complete Piano Sonatas / Ronald Brautigam

Average customer rating:

Possibly the best complete Mozart sonata set
An absolute stunner!
Magic
brilliant period performances
Period Instrument performance with power

Mozart: The Complete Piano Sonatas / Ronald Brautigam

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Piano Sonatas (Box Set)

ASIN: B0000016P2
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Customer Reviews:

Possibly the best complete Mozart sonata set.......2007-02-25

A great combination of a musican, instrument and recording quality. You will never hear a fortepiano sound so full-bodied, and Brautigam has the just right talent: an astonishing tonal palette. Sometimes in a repeat, he'll alter the dynamics at an almost imperceptible level of difference and maintain it with perfect consistency. Clearly his remarkable instrument is a godsend or his touch would be wasted. Unlike what usually happens when someone sets out to record a complete set, Brautigam always establishes a unique character for each movement and sticks with it. Given his intensity and breadth of expression, his Mozart is - as a previous reviewer insightfully characterized it - "pre-Beethovenian."

An absolute stunner!.......2007-02-14

I own at least two complete recordings of these sonatas on modern pianos and numerous recording of individual sonatas on both modern and period instruments; moreover I was fortunate enough to hear a complete traversal of them in live performance during the 2006 Mozart birthday year. In short, I thought I knew these works pretty well, but Brautigam's performances have been a revelation: they are crisp & clear and reveal details I'd never heard before; there is grace and beauty here that could move one to tears. Musically and sonically (hats off to BIS!) this is a stunning set - to be returned to often. This, surely, is Mozart as Mozart would have wished to hear it.

Magic.......2006-03-21

I was sick of hearing the feeble, watered down Mozart of the likes of Perahia and Uchida, and wow! along comes Brautigam and blows all that Dresden china into smithereens. Not to say his playing is lacking in poetry or finesee. Far from it. But the music lives and breaths under Brautigam's fingers in a way that makes Uchida et al sound turgid. At last! we can hear those wonderfully dynamic bass parts Mozart wrote for the left hand and instead of a muddy boom we get a sparkling interplay of musical line. I love the entire set!! Humour, wit, fire, impetuosity, grace, beauty, feeling - it's all here. I'm sure Mozart himself would've approved. THIS was the instrument Mozart composed for, a Walter fortepiano, and its response to the music is sheer delight.

Now we want to have Brautigam playing the concertos with Pinnock and the English Concert!!

brilliant period performances.......2003-05-13

These recordings have changed my opinion of Mozart's sonatas. Brautigam uses a copy of a 1795 fortepiano with spectacular results. The attack of this instrument is much more defined, which makes these pieces come alive. His tempos are fast, which adds to the energy and excitement of these performances. Recording quality is superb, and the price is a true value. I used to think Mozart's sonatas were sluggish and not of the same caliber of much of his other compositions (Haydn's sonatas seemed to sparkle in comparison). With this set, I have changed my mind... truly first class.

Period Instrument performance with power.......2003-03-17

These performances are probably not to all tastes. Speeds are often very aggressive and the piano sound percussive and exciting, not qualities often associated with Mozart. Still, there are moments of great beauty here and the playing never sacrifices expressiveness for the sake of virtuosity. Brautigam is even better in his excellent Haydn series, and many may find his generally brisk approach easier to accept with Haydn. This is my first choice for these pieces, and if you appreciate the pre-Beethovenian aspects of Mozart's style you will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

fine but not splendid
Completely Awesome!!!
Earns the Prestigious Rosetta Designation from Penguin Guide
Mozart: a delight!
Stunning! Beautiful and Awe Inspiring

Mozart: Piano Sonatas
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and Mitsuko Uchida
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000410Y
Release Date: 1991-05-10

Tracks:

Piano Sonatas: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonatas: 2. Andante
Piano Sonatas: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonatas: 1. Allegro assai
Piano Sonatas: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonatas: 3. Presto
Piano Sonatas: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonatas: 2. Andante amoroso
Piano Sonatas: 3. Rondeau (Allegro)
Piano Sonatas: 1. Adagio
Piano Sonatas: 2. Menuetto I - II
Piano Sonatas: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonatas: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonatas: 2. Andante
Piano Sonatas: 3. Presto

Tracks:

Sonata in D, KV 284-205b (Durnitz): 1. Allegro
Sonata in D, KV 284-205b (Durnitz): 2. Rondeau en Polonaise (Andante)
Sonata in D, KV 284-205b (Durnitz): 3. Tema con variazioni
Sonata in C, KV 309-284b: 1. Allegro con spirito
2. Andante, un poco adagio
Sonata in C, KV 309-284b: 3. Rondeau (Allegretto grazioso)
Sonata in A minor, KV 310-300d: 1. Allegro maestoso
Sonata in C, KV 309-284b: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
Sonata in C, KV 309-284b: 3. Presto

Tracks:

Sonata in D, KV 311-284c: 1. Allegro con spirito
Sonata in D, KV 311-284c: 2. Andantino con espressione
Sonata in D, KV 311-284c: 3. Rondeau (Allegro)
Sonata in C, KV 330-300h: 1. Allegro moderato
Sonata in C, KV 330-300h: 2. Andante cantabile
Sonata in C, KV 330-300h: 3. Allegretto
Sonata in A, KV 331-300i: 1. Tema (Andante grazioso) con variazioni
Sonata in A, KV 331-300i: 2. Menuetto
Sonata in A, KV 331-300i: 3. Alla Turca (Allegretto)

Tracks:

Sonata in F, KV 332-300k: 1. Allegro
Sonata in F, KV 332-300k: 2. Adagio
Sonata in F, KV 332-300k: 3. Allegro assai
Sonata in B flat, KV 333-315c: 1. Allegro
Sonata in B flat, KV 333-315c: 2. Andante cantabile
Sonata in B flat, KV 333-315c: 3. Allegretto grazioso
Fantasia In C Minor, KV 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Tempo I
Sonata In C Minor, KV 457: 1. Molto allegro
Sonata In C Minor, KV 457: 2. Adagio
Sonata In C Minor, KV 457: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata in C, KV 545 (for beginners): 1. Allegro
Sonata in C, KV 545 (for beginners): 2. Andante
Sonata in C, KV 545 (for beginners): 3. Rondo (Allegro)
Sonata in B flat, KV 570: 1. Allegro
Sonata in B flat, KV 570: 2. Adagio
Sonata in B flat, KV 570: 3. Allegretto
Sonata In D, KV 576: 1. Allegro
Sonata In D, KV 576: 2. Adagio
Sonata In D, KV 576: 3. Allegretto
Sonata in F, KV 533 & 494: 1. Allegro, KV 533
Sonata in F, KV 533 & 494: 2. Andante, KV 533
Sonata in F, KV 533 & 494: 3. Rondo (Allegretto ), KV 494

Amazon.com essential recording

When it comes to Mozart, Uchida is an unabashed--some would say incorrigible--romantic. But while she can occasionally sound capricious in matters of pacing, articulation, and dynamics, her instincts almost always lead in a felicitous direction. Such is the case with these accounts of the sonatas, recorded between 1983 and 1987. Uchida's approach is unfailingly lyrical, her touch gentle, her tone limpid and bright. Her manner, from one work to the next, may be somewhat undifferentiated, but there is a warmth to her playing that carries the day. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

fine but not splendid.......2005-12-30

Mozart's generally underappreciated sonatas are here performed by Uchida. She does a credible job but having heard some of the other famous versions of this, I'm just not convinced that her version is an overwhelming achievement. There's something about Uchida's playing, though I can't quite put a finger on it, that fails to inspire. Technically she is brilliant but it often seems that she's playing on paper-thin slivers of delicate china.

As for the Penguin Guides, yes, Uchida is given a rosette for this playing, but as it takes just one of the Guide writers to award a rosette, it doesn't mean unanimity.

Completely Awesome!!!.......2004-11-05

While I have not heard all of the Mozart sonatas performed by Mitsuko Uchida, I have heard enough to realize, that her interpretation and style are without equal.

There is something so wonderous about her playing, such warmth, such joy, and such clarity. Whatever sonata you are listening to, somehow, you just know that this is the way it is supposed to be played, period.

Earns the Prestigious Rosetta Designation from Penguin Guide.......2004-01-25

I first read of Mozart's piano sonata recordings by Uchida in the highly-acclaimed Penguin Guide to Classical Music. The Penguin Guide to Classical Music is, in my opinion, the most authoritative guide. The guide gave these recordings a perfect score and the prestigious, rare Rosetta designation, which means that the recordings are beyond a perfect score. It means, in the opinion of the editors, that the recordings are unusually sublime.

I am writing here that I agree.

Mozart: a delight!.......2004-01-22

Quick, light, and delightful: everything you could ask for in a Mozart recording! Be sure to check out Walter Klein's interpretation of the sonatas which is also very charming and entertaining.

Stunning! Beautiful and Awe Inspiring.......2002-11-16

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.

One of the highlights of the gigantic collection is Mitsuko Uchida's stunning interpretation of Mozart's piano sonatas and variations. There's that "something extra" in her interpretations that takes the pieces to the ultimate level. I own other Mozart piano variations by other players and have heard others on the radio. Others are very good, but I have yet to hear one that captures this magic. Brendel's, by example, sound cold and mechanistically exact.

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. I am most grateful to have these piano sonatas in my daily life.

Some of the later sonatas, such as K570 and K545, are absolutely stunning.

Indeed, this collection was given the highest rating possible and the rare rosette designation from the Penguin Guide to Classical Music. THE authority has weighed in with the mark of a masterpiece recording.

From my perspective, Mozart's piano works for solo or smaller ensembles (sonatas, variation, trios, etc.) represent nearly his finest works for everyday living. 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 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 these Mozart sonatas and the variations as a sample, 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 her favorite.

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1 In C Major
Sonata No 2 In F Major
Sonata No 3 In B Flat Major
Sonata No 4 In E Flat Major
Sonata No 5 In G Major
Rondo In D Major
Sonata No 6 In D Major
Sonata No 7 In C Major
Sonata No 8 In A Minor
Sonata No 9 In D Major
Sonata No 10 In C Major
Sonata No 11 In A Major
Sonata No 12 In F Major
Fantasia In D Minor
Sonata No 18 In D Major
Sonata No 13 In B Flat Major
Fantasia In C Minor
Sonata No 14 In C Minor
Sonata No 16 In C Major
Sonata No 17 In B Flat Major

Album Details

4CD Box set. Columbia Legends Series.

Average customer rating:

Good Points
A very fine complete set of Mozart's sonatas at a great price
A Solid And Affordable Performance By Schiff Of All Mozart's Piano Sonatas
Honest approach; admirable musicality!
this is a collection, not a selection...

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041K8
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

Sonata In B Flat Major, K 333, 315c: I. Allegro
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 333: 315c: II. Andante cantabile
Sonata In B Flat Major, K333: 315c: III. Allegretto grazioso
Sonata In C Major, K 545: I. Allegro
Sonata In C Major, K 545: II. Andante
Sonata In C Major, K 545: III. Rondo
Fantasia In C Minor, K 475: Adagio
Fantasia In C Minor, K 475: Allegro
Fantasia In C Minor, K 475: Andantino
Sonata In C Minor, K 457: I. Molto allegro
Sonata In C Minor, K 457: II. Adagio
Sonata In C Minor, K 457: III. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata In A Major, K 331: 300i: I. Andante grazioso
Sonata In A Major, K 331: 300i: II. Menuetto
Sonata In A Major, K 331: 300i: III. Alla turca: Allegretto
Sonata In A Minor, K 310: 300d: I. Allegro maestosos
Sonata In A Minor, K 310: 300d: II. Andante cantable con espressione
Sonata In A Minor, K 310: 300d: III. Presto
Sonata In D Major, K 576: I. Allegro
Sonata In D Major, K 576: II. Adagio
Sonata In D Major, K 576: III. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata In F Major, K 533: I. Allegro
Sonata In F Major, K 533: II. Andante
Sonata In F Major, K 533: III. Rondo: Allegretto
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 281: 189f: I. Allegro
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 281: 189f: II. Andante amoroso
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 281: 189f: III. Rondeau: Allegro
Sonata In D Major, K 311: 284c: I. Allegro con spirito
Sonata In D Major, K 311: 284c: II. Andante con espressione
Sonata In D Major, K 311: 284c: III. Rondeau: Allegro
Sonata In C Major, K 309: 284b: I. Allegro con spirito
Sonata In C Major, K 309: 284b: II. Andante un poco adagio
Sonata In C Major, K 309: 284b: III. Rondeau: Allegretto grazioso

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major, K 284, 205b: I. Allegro
Sonata In D Major, K 284, 205b: II. Rondo en polonaise: Andante
Sonata In D Major, K 284, 205b: III. Theme And Variations
Sonata In G Major, K 283, 189h: I. Allegro
Sonata In G Major, K 283, 189h: II. Andante
Sonata In G Major, K 283, 189h: III. Presto
Sonata In C Major, K 330, 300h: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata In C Major, K 330, 300h: II. Andante cantabile
Sonata In C Major, K330, 300h: III. Allegretto
Sonata In F Major, K 280, 189e: I. Allegro assai
Sonata In F Major, K 280, 189e: II. Adagio
Sonata In F Major, K 280, 189e: III. Presto

Tracks:

Sonata In C Major, K 279, 189d: I. Allegro
Sonata In C Major, K279, 189d: II. Andante
Sonata In C Major, K 279, 189d: III. Allegro
Sonata In E Flat Major, K 282, 189g: I. Adagio
Sonata In E Flat Major, K 282, 189g: II. Menuetto I - Menuetto II - Menuetto I
Sonata In E Flat Major, K 282, 189g: III. Allegro
Sonata In F Major, K 332, 300k: I. Allegro
Sonata In F Major, K 332, 300k: II. Adagio
Sonata In F Major, K332, 300k: III. Allegro assai
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 570: I. Allegro
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 570: II. Adagio
Sonata In B Flat Major, K 570: III. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Good Points.......2006-10-11

Good Points

-releaves my headache
-livens up my mood
-made me sleep without nightmares

************THANK YOU************

A very fine complete set of Mozart's sonatas at a great price.......2006-01-10

This five disk set is a very affordable way to become familiar with all of Mozart's piano sonatas. Schiff is a very gifted artist who plays these sonatas with the élan and intelligence they deserve. These pieces do not have the dramatic contrasts of the Beethoven sonatas nor the virtuosity of Mozart's piano concertos. Many of them can be played quite well by amateurs with moderate talent and experience, for whom many of them were written.

However, they are works of great beauty and full of Mozart's gift of sudden changes of subject while building up almost impossible feats of integration. It seems as if he is winking at you and says, "Well, how about THIS as well...". And then another miracle occurs. There are real challenges in some of the sonatas and those are the ones you most often here in a professional recital or on record. However, all music lovers should care about these works and become familiar with all of them.

And any student trying to learn these sonatas would do well to have a collection such as this as a reference. Not to slavishly copy; heavens no. But to get a solid foundation for what the piece is about and to see if your ideas actually fit the work or if you might be trying to cram something in that really doesn't belong. There are little nuances of phrasing that are important to learn from an artist of the quality of Schiff. One simply cannot achieve the Mozartian magic with simple four-square plodding through the notes measure upon measure. Mozart is far too subtle and quick for such clumsiness.

Recommended. Great music and a good value.

A Solid And Affordable Performance By Schiff Of All Mozart's Piano Sonatas.......2005-10-20

First of all, buying boxed sets is expensive and especially so in classical music. Unless you buy from Naxos which has comparable interpretations, you are left with generic labels that tend to be lower in quality. The big labels generally charge $45 and up for these sets especially with the amount of piano sonatas Mozart composed. This is one performance that is from a relatively big label in which Schiff performs well above par but beneath the level of really great virtuosos such as Rubinstein and Brendel. Even Brendel sometimes is not at his best. The performance is sensual but lacks a little of the warmth typical of Mozart; he tends to mute the strings too soon when they should have been left to ring a little longer. He could also strike the keys harder on some of the faster ones. He also prefers to interpret the meter at a conservative pace. His performance is therefore cautious but not overly rigid: there is a fluidity and grace to his performance that warms the heart. In terms of having the best performance at the most reasonable price, this one is certainly one of the best choices one can make for these works.

Honest approach; admirable musicality!.......2005-10-16

From the first time I listened this portentous keyboard 's artist, I was literally engaged with his admirable tune and austerity, that does not diminishes, nevertheless the magnificent lyricism and notorious expression.

The First Sonata finds in Schiff in plenitude of expression and blithesomeness. One of his best achievements along the set. The allegro is lovable and joyous. The Andante is one of the most inspired in Mozart 's repertoire and somehow we are in presence once more, of these accustomed leaps to the future: elegance and lyricism without affection.

The K. 282 is a perfumed performance. It possesses that precocious inspiration and maturity; it is strongly influenced by Haydn accents, but Mozart begins to show his artistic profile. The phrasing is seductive and involving. The Adagio can not be better played.

I must recognize I love this Sonata K. 332. It is so vivid, so filled of pristine nuance and gentle charm. Schiff 's exuberant pianism elevates the stature of this work. I must recognize the Adagio is slightly fast, lacking certain grade of introspective character. But he plays with such majestic and grace , letting the notes float in the air. The sublime arpeggio just before the recapitulation is terrific.

The Sonata K. 570 is one of the most mature works of Mozart. It is far to be at the same level of the Sonata K. 457 (to my mind his best achieved sonata), but it is so expressive, fragile and captivating that hardly you will be able t forget it, but is played with such conviction grade and excel phrasing that results hard to forget. I love this apparent pertness in the first section of the Adagio, that permits to play it with a fabulous perpetual beating, and so link with the second section evidently more darker and expressive, and return to the initial exposition loaded with minor anguish and wise innocence. Schiff returns and plays more restrained, having made the journey, with outstanding results. The apotheosis of the genuine irreverence and seductive charm is the Operatic final: so free and crystalline; engaging and delightful. One of the great knacks of Mr. Schiff.

In what the Sixth concerns we must establish this is a transient work; in Mozart that represents usually a leap to future; in similar way Amadeus makes the same with the Andante of the Ninth Piano Concert. The center of gravity of course, the Theme with Variations; if you pay special attention there is a very brief cite to the opening note of the later K. 331 's First Movement , and is made twice; in the second movement and antepenultimate variation for brief instants. The reading is interesting though Schiff does not reach the lovable expression of Glenn Gould or for instance the Beethovenian but valid approach of Daniel Barenboim.

The Sonata K. 330 is to many one of the happiest and freest works ever written by Mozart in any genre. He is certainly in the peak of his creative powers and Schiff 's inflections are remarkable, his crystalline phrasing and warmth expression involve the whole Sonata.The Allegro Moderato is blithe loaded with this characteristic savoir vivre of this age of Salzburg 's son. The Andante Cantabile is without doubt one of the glorious peaks in the music. The serene beauty of his melodic song is spelling and arresting and Schiff plays it with dreamy atmosphere; the Andante breaths not only a discrete charm but a hidden shadow of premonitory tragic lament, to link with an enigmatic pianissimo the initial theme more restrained and contemplative still than the first exposition. I find the K 331 a bit fast and sad, without that spring breath, specially in the First Movement. It is so graceful that constitutes as the First Movement of the Sonata 15 a true nest 's song , lovable and expressive.

The K 310 is to my mind his best achievement of the whole set. Admirable conception and well built atmosphere of eloquent expressiveness.

In sum, a memorable set that deserves to be part of your invaluable collection.

this is a collection, not a selection..........2005-06-02

So you can't argue for it. For being what it is, it's quite nice. Don't forget that this has nothing to do with Beethoven sonatas, and the present conception that we have from Beethoven is that should sound sharper and in a more mechanical way, like an organ. This Mozart interpretation was concieved and thought more or less in the original way (more or less because this is played on a modern piano but Schiff is playing like a period instrument, from my point of view). Some people likes earlier sounds, some others prefer modern ones. So, i repeat, this is a collection and it has consistent quality, which is basic for a complete cycle.

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