Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol. 1

On this CD:

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

2. Piano Sonata No. 2 in F major, K. 280 (K. 189e)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Ronald Brautigam

3. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B flat major, K. 281 (K.189f)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Ronald Brautigam

Tracks:

Sonata In G Major, K. 283: I. Allegro
Sonata In G Major, K. 283: II. Andante
Sonata In G Major, K. 283: III. Presto
Sonata In C Major, K. 309: I. Allegro con spirito
Sonata In C Major, K. 309: II. Andante un poco adagio
Sonata In C Major, K. 309: III. Rondo: Allegretto grazioso
Sonata In B-Flat Major, K. 281: I. Allegro
Sonata In B-Flat Major, K. 281: II. Andante amoroso
Sonata In B-Flat Major, K. 281: III. Rondo: Allegro
Sonata In E-Flat Major, K. 282: I. Adagio
Sonata In E-Flat Major, K. 282: II. Menuetto I; Menuetto II
Sonata In E-Flat Major, K. 282: III. Allegro
Sonata In C major, K. 279: I. Allegro
Sonata In C major, K. 279: II. Adagio
Sonata In C major, K. 279: III. Presto
Sonata In F Major, K. 280: I. Allegro assai
Sonata In F Major, K. 280: II. Adagio
Sonata In F Major, K. 280: III. Presto

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major, K. 284: I. Allegro
Sonata In D Major, K. 284: II. Rondeau in Polonaise: Andante
Sonata In D Major, K. 284: III. Theme With 12 Variations
Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: I. Allegro maestoso
Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: II. Andante cantabile con espressione
Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: III. Presto
Sonata In D Major, K. 311: I. Allegro con spirito
Sonata In D Major, K. 311: II. Andante con espressione
Sonata In D Major, K. 311: III. Rondo: Allegro
Sonata In C Major, K. 330: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata In C Major, K. 330: II. Andante cantabile
Sonata In C Major, K. 330: III. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Glib and Dull Playing!!!.......2005-07-18

This is dull for repeated listening.The Playing is glib and superficial.Very monotonous with all the pieces sounding pretty much the same!Was Mozart lacking in variety or creativity?You will be tempted to say YES after listening to this set.Just no variation in Dynamics or tempo.Better to go in for the Complete set by Eschenbach or even Barenboim.

This is one of the great recordings of the century.......2000-04-11

I share the enthusiasm of the two reviewers in this page in the sense that I, too, think this is Mozart in its most glorious state.

In a musical world so flooded with Argerichs and Brendels, the late Walter Klien shines with sovereign light in this so very intimate world of Mozart piano solo music.

I have listened to the two volumes time and again and I just can't get over how delicate, suave, liquid and natural Klien's touch is. Although Uchida or de Larrocha (considered by many as Mozart specialists and supreme exponents of this music) have their own merit, no doubt Walter Klien will remain unrivaled, for this is truly ineffable art.

Artists like Klien give me back my confidence in true artists.

beautiful playing, bargain price.......1999-11-10

Klien's recording of Mozart's piano sonatas are an absolute delight. His articulation is extremely crisp yet the tone is light and ever so delicate. His playing never gets weighty or forceful like Gould's but rather maintains a beautiful tenderness. Along with the clean recording transfer this CD would be a good buy even if it weren't bargain-priced. (Volume 2 is excellent as well).

Walter Klien's Mozart is dynamite!.......1999-06-08

This recording of the Mozart Piano Sonatas is one of the most exquisite ever committed to disc. Klien's execution is absolutely "clean", and his interpretations are thoroughly mesmerizing for their style, panache, tenderness, drama, and pearly tone. Every not speaks and every phrase sings in a way only Klien can produce. Little else can be said about how exceptional this recording is because it speaks for itself. And at such an exceptional price, there is absolutely no reason not to buy this set!

Average customer rating:

Great music experience
excellent violin sonatas No. 17-25
The Mozart Sonatas for Piano and Violin
Gems hidden in the shadows of Mozart's larger works
Delightful! A must-have for any Mozart collection.

Mozart: Great Violin Sonatas, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Great Violin Sonatas, Vol. 2
Complete Violin Sonatas Volume1
Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos
Mozart: Violin Concertos
Beethoven: The Complete Violin Sonatas, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000007OTK
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Sonata For Piano And Violin In C, KV 296: Allegro Vivace
Sonata For Piano And Violin In C, KV 296: Andante Sostenuto
Sonata For Piano And Violin In C, KV 296: Rondo. Andante Grazioso
Sonata For Piano And Violin In G, KV 301: Allegro Con Spirito
Sonata For Piano And Violin In G, KV 301: Allegro
Sonata For Piano And Violin In E Flat, KV 302: Allegro
Sonata For Piano And Violin In E Flat, KV 302: Rondo. Andante Grazioso
Sonata For Piano And Violin In E Minor, KV 304: Adagio - Molto Allegro
Sonata For Piano And Violin In C, KV 303: Tempo Di Minuetto
Sonata For Piano And Violin In E Minor, K V 304: Allegro
Sonata For Piano And Violin In E Minor, K V 304: Tempo Di Minuetto
Variations For Piano And Violin In G, KV 359 On -La Bergere Celimene: 12 VaThema. Allegretto - Variations I-XII

Tracks:

Sonata For Piano And Violin In A, KV 305: Allegro Di Molto
Sonata For Piano And Violin In A, KV 305: Tema: Tema - Variazioni I - VI
Sonata For Piano And Violin In D, KV 306: Allegro Con Spirito
Sonata For Piano And Violin In D, KV 306: Andantino Cantabile
Sonata For Piano And Violin In D, KV 306: Allegretto
Sonata For Piano And Violin In F, KV 376: Allegro
Sonata For Piano And Violin In F, KV 376: Andante
Sonata For Piano And Violin In F, KV 376: Rondo. Allegretto Grazioso
Sonata For Piano And Violin In F, KV 377: Allegro
Sonata For Piano And Violin In F, KV 377: Tema. Andante: TEma - Variazioni I - VI
Sonata For Piano And Violin In F, KV 377: Tempo Di Minuetto

Customer Reviews:

Great music experience.......2006-03-22

It is a great pleasure to listen to this Great music in such
a great performance.

excellent violin sonatas No. 17-25.......2006-03-02

These interpretation by Szerying/Haebler are a pleasure to listen to and the understanding between both artists is superb as they equaly share the stage. For an equally satisfying and more complete collection check out perlman/barenboim on DG (4 cds as part of DG collectors series) or for a budget option listen to Oistrakh/Zertsalova (whose partnership has been given 3 stars in the penguin guide) on the Vox label.

The Mozart Sonatas for Piano and Violin.......2006-01-20

I recently spent a memorable evening at a German-Vienesse Restaurant in Washington D.C. which is celebrating Mozart's 250th anniversary. It was in effect a classical music nightclub. Following a German dinner, two excellent local musicians, a pianist and a violinist, delighted the audience with a two-hour performance of Mozart's piano and violin sonatas. With the good dinner, lovely company, and relaxed atmosphere, it was a appropriate and outstanding way to hear these delightful pieces.

The evening inspired me to rehear violinist Henryk Szerying and pianist Ingrid Haebler playing the earlier of Mozart's mature violin sonatas on a two CD Phillips set. The music I heard on the town was drawn from the works on this CD, which is justly renowned. Haebler in particular is an unparalleled interpreter of Mozart. The duo's equally famous recording of the Beethoven violin sonatas is also available on Phillips.

The sonatas on this compilation fall into two groups. First, there is the series of seven sonatas Mozart composed at the age of about 22 while living in Mannheim. These are sometimes called the "Palatinate" sonatas. The sonatas are written in an early classical style and show the great influence of J.C. Bach. In fact, the lovely slow movement of the first of these sonatas, K 296, uses a theme that Mozart probably borrowed from him. There is a tendency to exaggerate the degree to which the piano is the dominant partner in these sonatas. Mozart frequently passes his themes back and forth between the two instruments, and the violin sings eloquently with plenty to do.

Only two of these sonatas, in C major K.296, and D major, K. 306, have three movements. The remaining five works are in two movements. The works typically feature lively first movements with a minuet or variation movement to conclude. They provide a great deal of variety. Only one work, in C major, K 303, opens with a slow introduction to a fast opening movement. The finest of these early works is the two-movement sonata in E minor, K.304. The first movement is a work of true fire, and the trio of the second movement is one of the great, hidden moments in all Mozart. Alfred Einstein describes it as "a brief glimpse of bliss."

The second group of sonatas, both in F major and consisting of three movements, K. 376 and K.377, were composed about three years after the first group and are part of a larger set of six. (The remaining four works are on the second volume of Szerying/Haebler.) These works are more ambitious in scope than the earlier set and show a closer collaboration between the two instruments. Although the works are in the same key, they are markedly different in character. K. 376 is a joyful, extroverted piece with a jubilant first movement, a quiet, singing slow movement, and a whimsical rondo. Its companion, K. 377, is one of Mozart's masterpieces. The opening movement, in a major key, is passionate and disquieting. The second movement is a slow theme and variations in the key of D minor. It is in a mood of deep sadness which only intensifies as the variations progress. The finale, is a rare and bittersweet moment of peace. This work together with the E minor sonata discussed above are two buried masterpieces in Mozart's output. Einstein says of the finale to K. 377 that it is the "only one of this kind not alone in Mozart's time, but among all the music that has come after him as well." In addition to the sonatas, this CD includes a set of galant and spirited variations on a French song, K. 359.

I enjoyed the spontaniety and ease of hearing these works performed informally, delightfully, and atmospherically over dinner. But I enjoyed as well the opportunity to hear this music repeatedly at leisure and in private in order to explore its beauties in detail. This is a first-rate CD for those who love Mozart or chamber music.

The quotations above are drawn from Alfred Einstein's famous study "Mozart, His Character,His Work," pp.255, 257.

Robin Friedman

Gems hidden in the shadows of Mozart's larger works.......2005-03-19

With Mozart's middle and late sonatas for violin and pianoforte, he (along with Haydn) changed the interaction of instruments and made it more of an equal partnership and dialog - freeing the violin from the role of mere accompaniment. In nearly all of Mozart's "great" violin sonatas (K296 and up), there indeed is a wonderful dialog between the two instruments in a way that only Mozart can bring forth in all its lightness and charm. This genre of Mozart does seem to be underrated - most likely due to the sheer volume of Mozart's monumental works. Yet, these works are highly enjoyable, musically intelligent and particularly easy to listen to with their timeless, graceful melodies.

The partnership of Szeryng and Haebler was renowned during their time and this marvelous collection is evidence of that. Music author David Dubal says of the Austrian pianist Ingrid Haebler: "An artist who plays with polish and taste. Her Mozart is especially admired for these qualities. Her playing has refinement and geniality, as well as a special tone quality." Agreed. It is hard to fault much when the music is so well performed and so typically pleasant Mozart - with that galante, gentile, youthful bounciness. Along with legendary Mozartian Grumiaux, violinist Heinrich Szeryng plays these sonatas with the optimal galante spirit of Mozart's era without superimposing any personal stylistic or "Romantic" mannerisms. Rightly, Penguin Guide honored this historic effort by giving it a top 3-star rating as well as listing it as one of their "Recommended Recordings" (for building a collection). The only negative I found is the "weak-bodied" sound quality of the 1970's analog transfers as compared to better modern recordings. But, not a "show-stopper" like some historic recordings can be.

Philips has distilled the best of Mozart's 35 sonatas for piano and violin into the most mature 16 on two DUO sets of two CD's each. So, does one need to hear all 35 sonatas? Probably not as the early ones (1-16) were written by a "tween" Mozart for their early prodigy tours and are not near the stature of those written 10 years later and beyond. The sontatas here in Vol.1 tend to have that carefree, innocent, bouncy Mozart style where the late works on Vol. 2 are more mature in form, style, complexity and virtuosity.

Also, with the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth in 2006, look for a slew of new Mozart recordings of the violin sonatas from the likes of Anne-Sofie Mutter, Hilary Hahn along with period-violinists Rachel Podger and Andrew Manze (but there were quite mixed reviews of all these newer recordings). Each of these newer virtuosos brings a different "flavor" to these classics that some will admire more or less. But the older generation of legends like Arthur Grumiaux and Hienrich Szeryng have set a very high standard with their impeccable galantry, eloquence and definitive, graceful Mozartian spirit. A classic recording like this one by Szeryng and Haebler is timeless in its musianship and appeal, but it is rewarding as well to hear the newer talents. Out of these, my pick would be the pristine-toned Hilary Hahn with Natalie Zhu.

Delightful! A must-have for any Mozart collection........2004-09-20

The Violin Sonatas should more accurately be called Sonatas for Violin and Pianoforte. They are some of Mozart's most vibrant and inventive works, and I've never been able to comprehend why they aren't better known. Just listen to the sound samples - you'll be hooked right away.

This is the best recording you are going to find of these works. Ingrid Haebler plays with the light-hearted, Germanic spirit that is so essential in these pieces, and the legendary Szeryng is in top form. There is so much humor and personality from both performers, and every hearing of these pieces will bring new insight. This CD should be at the very top of every "Essential Mozart Recordings" list out there.

Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Keyboard & Violin, Vol. 1 [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

novice admirer
Misses the mark
An Interesting 'HIP/Authentic' Exploration

Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Keyboard & Violin, Vol. 1 [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin, Vol. 2 [Hybrid SACD]
Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Keyboard & Violin, Vol. 3 [Hybrid SACD]
Bach: Complete Sonatas for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord / Pinnock, Podger
Bach: Complete Sonatas & Partitas for Violin Solo
Vivaldi: La Stravaganza

ASIN: B0006959QA
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Amazon.com

Rachel Podger's bracing traversal of Vivaldi's La Stravaganza set of violin concertos are among the finest Baroque recordings, leading to high expectations for more. But here, she and fortepianist Gary Cooper, venture into the more rarified world of Mozart, with considerably less success. They offer four sonatas, to which they apply a roller-coaster interpretive method, swinging from overly slow, sentimentalized Adagios to hyperkinetic fast movements undermined by Podger's uningratiating tone, which is highlighted by the excellent, if close-up recording. Missing in action are the Mozartian elegance and grace at the core of these works. The K.6, written when Mozart was about seven, and the late K.547, a teaching piece he wrote for a pupil, are inflated beyond what they can bear. The K. 378 and K.379 pair, which can take emotionally direct interpretations, are overbearing without the necessary elegance. Podger's fans will want this anyway, but she'd do well to listen carefully to Grumiaux's Mozart before continuing this sonata series. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

novice admirer.......2006-02-20

Tagging along to La Jolla to see these two, my greatest concern was " I hope I don't get sleepy, again like the last time." The last time being, was a concert with eight Italian musicians playing Salieri. I am not completely devoid of classical music, but it isn't what's playing on the iPod on my daily commute. Well, didn't get sleepy one bit. I was enthralled both by the musicians and Mozart himself. Can you imagine a seven year old mind producing such lovely music? The music is intimate and really easy to love. Cooper's fortepiano and Podger's violin were distinct yet embossed in the sound. The CD itself is of high audio quality which adds to the pleasure of listening. I don't know if I would have had the same pleasant experience and appreciation if it were a pair of different musicians, but I definitely was in the presence of two very talented and passionate artists. I was also blown away by how ancient these instruments are. Rachel is playing her Pesarinius violin created in 1739, thing's older than this country. Wow. Anyway, if you need to start anywhere in music appreciation today, start here..

Misses the mark .......2006-01-13

With the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birthday in 2006, a new crop of Mozart recordings have been released, including many of the sonatas for violin and fortepiano. Among these are fresh recordings from Hilary Hahn/Natalie Zhu, Mark Steinberg/Mitsuko Uchida, Anne-Sofie Mutter/Lambert Orkis (Aug.'06), Andrew Manze/Richard Elgar and Rachel Podger/Gary Cooper - the latter two on period violin and fortepiano. Depending on how one feels this music should be played will determine what most appeals to you.

Rachel Podger is surely one of the finest Baroque period-violinists on the scene today with her supreme intonation, poised lyricism and gorgeous shaping of both note and line. As leader of the English Concert - as well as the period Paladian and Florilegium Ensembles - Ms. Podger has recorded some brilliant and emmensely-appealing music from Bach, Telemann, Handel and the dazzling Vivaldi concertos mentioned. IN past reviews of many of these, I have rated her playing and ensemble with the most glowing accolades. So, given this history - and as the lead reviewer notes, "high expectations for more" - I was really surprized at how luke warm I felt after hearing these pieces. And, as much as I admire Rachel Podger's talent ... and as much as I wanted to like this recording ... I did not connect with it.

I have to agree with the lead Amazon reviewer: in approaching these works of Mozart, one would best study the past legends of this genre - Szeryng/Haebler, Perlman/Ashekenazy and especialy the legendary Belgian Mozartian, Arthur Grumiaux with Haskill on piano. Although we can never quite know "how Mozart sounded centuries ago," certain approaches just seem to bring forth the life within the music more than others. When I listen to the past legends of these intimate chamber works, there is a delicacy, a gracefulness, a galante spirit and bouyant lyricism that is not quite there for Podger and Cooper's reading. While Podger brings great expressivity and beautiful tone to her music, I'm not sure it is the right tone and "feel" for Mozart. Gary Cooper perhaps is more successful in this respect with the period fortepiano, but there is also something lacking to me. And their choice of tempo in works like the G-major allegro (K.379) is distastefully rushed and needlessly brash, stripping the music of its charm and bouyancy. What's the rush?

Like the Amazon reviewer, ClassicsToday also gave this recording poor marks: a 4/10 for "Artistic Quality" but rightfully a 9/10 for the full SACD sound (but noting an overly forward projection of the instruments). Additionally, the more mellow sound of Cooper's fortepiano (a 1987 copy of a a 1795 Anton Walter Vienna instrument) will not be to everyone's taste not accustom to its muted tone and less-colorful timbre compared to the modern grand. However, on the positive review side, Gramophone seemed to mostly like this recording and gave it a better review than some others in the music press. I am rather dissapointed I have to rate this CD by a favorite artist so low, but I can only honestly give it 3 stars.

So, for Mozart's chamber music, one can never quite go wrong with the the historic recordings of past masters like Szeryng or Grumiaux who set the standard for artistry, nobility and temperament in this music that still have yet to be surpassed. The Philips DUO set by Szeryng/Haebler is a great choice for a more complete survey of Mozart's Violin Sonatas (two volumes, 4 discs) and represents Mozart at a higher standard than these readings by Podger & Cooper. For that matter, the newer release by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu or Uchida are also closer to the mark and more recommended. But, good music is often a matter of what sounds best to you and who you like, so the individual listener is ultimately the final judge.

An Interesting 'HIP/Authentic' Exploration.......2005-04-17

I disagree with the official amazon.com review of this item which terms Podger's tone 'uningratiating' and attacks her interpretation (particularly regarding tempo). The official reviewer's dislike of her 'tone' must be more about the divide between gut-string vs. synthetic string preference than any real qualitative evaluation. As far as gut-string tone goes, Podger has one of the richest, and her playing on this disk is enthralling. There have not been too many 'authentic' (and I use this term grudgingly) recordings of Mozart's violin sonatas. This disk is superior to that of Biondi on Opus 111 in my opinion. It is not a dry reading. There is a good deal of the performer in here - though not as much as is usually the case of Baroque works. This makes for entertaining adventurous listening! Also, for those in to more technical matters of playing, it is interesting to hear how the use of a transitional bow effects Podger's playing. Truly an essential disk for those interested in the historically informed interpretation of classical violin (and fortepiano of course!).

One other problem in the official reviewers text is the assertion that Podger brings too much gravitas to KV6 'written by a child-Mozart'. Though this sonata hardly 'heady stuff' the reviewer should have bourne in mind that it was in fact probably written by Wolfgang AND by his far more mature (and sadly now forgotten) composer father (and violin pedagogue) Leopold.

Why four stars? The absolutely beautiful opening of the Adagio of KV379 is marred by the close-miking of the fortepiano which gives us far too many strongly noticeable mechanical clicks in what is a very delicate piece of music. Also, the liner notes that go with this album are appalling - they are riven with typos and hanging, incomplete sentences. Channel Classics should relieve their English translator of duties and find a suitable replacement!

Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Fortepiano and Violin, Vol. 1; Mannheim Sonatas

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
I can't say too much good about these sonatas...
Superb

Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Fortepiano and Violin, Vol. 1; Mannheim Sonatas

Manufacturer: Analekta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Fortepiano and Violin, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0002TVVCU
Release Date: 2007-04-06

Tracks:

Sonate En Sol Majeur/ Sonata In G Major K. 301
Sonate En Mi Bemol Majeur/ Sonata In E-Flat Major K. 302
Sonate En Ut Majeur/ Sonata In C Major K. 303
Sonate En La Majeur/ Sonata In A Major K. 305
Sonate En Ut Majeur/ Sonata In C Major K. 296
Sonate En Re Majeur/ Sonata In D Major K. 306
Sonate En Mi Mineur/ Sonata In E Minor K. 304
Sonate En Si Bemol Majeur/ Sonata In B-Flat Major K. 454
Sonate En Fa Majeur/ Sonata In F Major K. 547

Album Description

This integral version of Mozart's Sonatas is a rarity on the market. David Breitman is an active performer, teacher and scholar whose specialty is Classical Period performance practice. Equally at home with the modern piano and the fortepiano, his growing discography reflects his versatility. Audiences and critics are unanimous about Jean-François Rivest: he is a spectacular conductor endowed with tremendous energy, precision, emotion and exaltation who knows how to lead his orchestras efficiently towards artistic development. Great depths of feeling as well as a strong sense of structure characterize his interpretations.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2006-02-12

If you want performances on period instruments - and you do - this volume of two with the complete violin sonatas makes an easy choice. Natural, intimate performances - like an animated conversation between two old friends. I didn't know the performers but after hearing this, I do not hesitate to say that their achievements compare favourably with the best: Podger & Cooper, Manze & Egarr, Seiler & Immerseel. Recommended!

I can't say too much good about these sonatas..........2006-02-08

I bought both volumes of these sonatas after hearing only the first track and have not for a moment regretted the decision to do so. In college, I had the opportunity to play and become intimately acquainted with these sonatas. Being partial to 'period' performance, I have always been on the lookout for a good 'historically informed' recording and Breitman and Rivest don't fail to deliver. These are sonatas for fortepiano and violin, not violin sonatas and Breitman and Rivest's approach always keeps that cardinal rule of these pieces in mind. The transparent timbre of the gut-strung violin and fortepiano lend a clarity to these sonatas not often found in a lot of other recordings. The impeccable technique of both artists with the judicious use of vibrato by Rivest adds to that clarity. A wonderful opportunity for those who think they don't like period performances to become aquainted with the practice.

Superb.......2005-10-16

This and the second volume by these performers are both simply superb. Unlike some "period" recordings, with these artists you are never aware of any self-conscious attempt to be "authentic". The music is alllowed to speak for itself, with great sensitivity and facility, and with obvious delight. And the music itself is, of course, glorious. The sound of the recordings is quite excellent -- immediate and intimate. I can't imagine these thrilling works being played or recorded any better, and I cannot recommend these two CDs highly enough. Sublime Mozart, beautifully played. Who could ask for anything more? Bravo!!!

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Heidi Lowy
Manufacturer: Msr Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5
Mozart: Piano Sonatas Volume 2
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 6
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

ASIN: B000051ZMM
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

Son No.1 in C, K.279: I. Allegro
Son No.1 in C, K.279: II. Andante
Son No.1 in C, K.279: III. Allegro
Son No.2 in F, K.280: I. Allegro Assai
Son No.2 in F, K.280: II. Adagio
Son No.2 in F, K.280: III. Presto
Son No.3 in B flat, K.281: I. Allegro
Son No.3 in B flat, K.281: II. Andante Amoroso
Son No.3 in B flat, K.281: III. Rondeau. Allegro
Son No.4 in E flat, K.282: I. Adagio
Son No.4 in E flat, K.282: II. Menuetto I-II
Son No.4 in E flat, K.282: III. Allegro

Maria João Pires ~ Mozart - The Complete Sonatas for Piano Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Maria João Pires ~ Mozart - The Complete Sonatas for Piano Vol. 2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and Maria João Pires
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Maria João Pires ~ Mozart - The Complete Sonatas for Piano Vol. 1 (KV.279 ~ KV.283)
Maria João Pires - Chopin · The Nocturnes
Maria João Pires ~ Bach - Partita No. 1 · English Suite No. 3 · French Suite No. 2

ASIN: B0000034NH
Release Date: 1993-08-27

Tracks:

Sonata No. 6 in D Major, KV 284: I - Allegro
Sonata No. 6 in D Major, KV 284: II- Rondeau en polonaise; Andante
Sonata No. 6 in D Major, KV 284: III- Andante (Theme & Variation)
Sonata No. 7 in C Major, KV 309: I- Allegro con spirito
Sonata No. 7 in C Major, KV 309: II- Andante un poco adagio
Sonata No. 7 in C Major, KV 309: III- Rondeau; Allegretto grazioso
Sonata No. 9 in A Minor, KV 310: I- Allegro maestoso
Sonata No. 9 in A Minor, KV 310: II- Andante cantabile con espressione
Sonata No. 9 in A Minor, KV 310: III- Presto
Rondo in D Major, KV 485

Average customer rating:

The Recorded Viola, Vol.2

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: 6 Suites for Cello Solo
The Art of the Viola
Bartok: Viola Concertos

ASIN: B000000WPE
Release Date: 1995-05-23

Tracks:

Allegro
Sonata For Flute, Viola And Harp: Pastorale: Interlude: Final (Allegro moderato)
Rhapsody No. 1 (L'etang)
Concerto In C: Ronda
Ardent Declaration
I Loved You (Pushkin)
Barcarolle
Acetate Of A Broadcast: Konzertstuck
Pieces en Trio
Horn Sonata, Op. 17 (Excerpt)
Gestillte Sehnsucht, Op. 90 - 1: Gestillte Sehnsucht, Op. 90-1

Tracks:

Acetate Of A Broadcast: Perpetuum mobile
Sonata in A: Adagio molto Into Allegro moderato
Op. 6-6: None But The Weary Heart
Op. 1-13: Caprice No. 13 ('La Risata')
Op. 1-5: Caprice No. 5
Suite For Viola Orchestra: 2nd Movement: Carol
Suite For Viola Orchestra: 3rd Movement: Dance
Suite For Viola Orchestra: 4th Movement: Ballad
Passacaglia
Sonata in G minor: Largo - Corrente - Adagio - Allegro vivace
First Ancient Song
Second Ancient Song
Sinfonia Concertante In E-Flat, K. 364 (Ronda Only)
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Adagio In F
Arrival Platform Humlet
The Sussex Mummers' Carol

Mozart Piano Sonatas K. 279, K. 280, K. 281 on Fortepiano Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

How would Wolfgang have played these?
Very fast, not great Mozart.
Great start for a series
Great New Mozart Series

Mozart Piano Sonatas K. 279, K. 280, K. 281 on Fortepiano Vol. 1

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Secret Mozart
Mozart: Fantasias & Rondos
Mozart - Piano Concertos No. 5, 14, 16 / R. Levin, AAM, Hogwood
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" - Choral Fantasy / R. Levin, Gardiner
Mozart: Violin Sonatas, 1781

ASIN: B000FDFS0E
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

Piano Sonata K. 279 in C Major; I. Allegro
Piano Sonata K. 279 in C Major; II. Andante
Piano Sonata K. 279 in C Major; III. Allegro
Piano Sonata K. 280 in F Major; I. Allegro
Piano Sonata K. 280 in F Major; II. Adagio
Piano Sonata K. 280 in F Major; III. Presto
Piano Sonata K. 281 in B-flat Major; I. Allegro
Piano Sonata K. 281 in B-flat Major; II. Andante amoroso
Piano Sonata K. 281 in B-flat Major; III. Rondeau

Customer Reviews:

How would Wolfgang have played these?.......2007-01-12

These three sonatas, written when Mozart was still in his teens, are intended to be the first volume in a series that will explore the concurrent development of both Mozart's piano music and the instruments for which they were likely composed. Although Levin recorded these in his late 50s, one might well imagine that the 40-year-younger Mozart handled his own music similarly. If you are familiar with Levin's earlier recordings of Mozart concertos, you will not be too surprised at the result, but if your standard is smooth, unornamented performances on a modern piano, you will be forced to reject, to think, or possibly to do both. Levin's style is equally valid, but surely more authentic. If you haven't the slightest interest how it might have sounded in 1775, you will not wish to invest in this package.

The companion DVD is extremely useful to understanding what is going on. You may even wish to watch it before you listen to the music, but even if you enjoy the CD (as did I) be sure to take a look.

For the person who complained about wanting scores included also, anybody interested in this disc will want to know about the "Digital Mozart Edition" -- Amazon doesn't like URLs in its reviews, so just enter the above phrase in Google, and don't be put off by the German title -- there is an English-language interface on the site. Not only these three sonatas, but everything the man wrote.

Very fast, not great Mozart........2006-09-20

Robert Levin can play this music very fast. Unfortunately, playing Mozart too fast makes the music sound facile and shallow. In Mozart, more than any other composer, the spaces between the notes are very important.

Also, while I admire the clarity which the pianoforte brings to the music, the richness and depth which a Kempff or a Pires can bring to the music are sorely missed. I agree with the reviewer who says this performance reminds him of Glenn Gould's performances of Mozart. Only problem is, while Gould's Bach was great, his Mozart was mechanical.

To hear this music at its optimum, get either of Maria Joao Pires' recordings on Denon or DG. The DVD is very informative and entertaining.

Great start for a series.......2006-09-11

I would agree with the reviewer below. Levin's performances are incredibly exciting. Amusingly, in some ways, his approach is closer to Gould's than either he or the late, great Glenn would care to admit. The secco touch, the unromantic phrasing, the intensity and rude fortissimi - this is not your grandma's Mozart. But to these ears, it sounds close to the real thing. As the kiddies used to say, this disc rocks.

The dvd extra is pretty good, esp. the full performance of an excerpt from k. 279. Aside from that the best parts are when Levin demonstrates the music or discusses the mechanisms of the piano and fortepiano. I also would have preferred if they had included scores to print out, as was done with Mutter's recording of the Beethoven Violin Sonatas.

BTW, the inclusion of a "free" dvd should give all consumers considerable insight into just how much of a profit the record companies were making off cd's until the advent of mp3.

Great New Mozart Series.......2006-08-14

I recently purchased Robert Levin's CD of Mozart's first three piano sonatas and thoroughly enjoyed his performance. This recording uses a replica of a piano that was familiar to the composer. The sound of this piano is bright, clear, delicate, vibrant and powerful in forte passages. Levin's improvised embellishments make this CD extra special. Each repeat is played with added ornaments and cadenzas, a common practice in Mozart's time. Levin conveys the affect of Mozart's music beautifully. The fast movements are exuberant and rambunctious. The slow movements are tender and poignant.

I was surprised to find a bonus DVD that accompanied the CD. (No information about the DVD was presented in the description of the recording.) This video contains a "behind the scenes" look at the recording process, the character of the music, the different qualities of the Viennese piano compared to a modern piano, and a performance of the finale of K 279. I hope the subsequent volumes in the series have the same kind of DVD.

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 7: Violin Sonatas

Average customer rating:

Not quite there!!!
Stunning, enlivened presentation
GET THEM!
Wow...
Review from Gramaphone

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 7: Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 14: Misc. Chamber Works
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 2: Concertos
Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 9: Piano Trios
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 11: Early String Quartets

ASIN: B000001GZA
Release Date: 1997-11-25

Tracks:

Sonate No. 1 In D Major, Op. 12 No. 1: 1. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 1 In D Major, Op. 12 No. 1: 2. Tema con Variazioni. Andante con moto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 1 In D Major, Op. 12 No. 1: 3. Rondo. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 2 In A Major, Op. 12 No. 2: 1. Allegro vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 2 In A Major, Op. 12 No. 2: 2. Andante piu tosto Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 2 In A Major, Op. 12 No. 2: 3. Allegro piacevole - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 3: 1. Allegro con spirito - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 3: 2. Adagio con molta espressione - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 3: 3. Rondo. Allegro molto - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonate No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 23: 1. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 23: 2. Andante scherzoso piegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 23: 3. Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 5 In F Major 'Spring', Op. 24 'Frs-Sonate': 1. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 5 In F Major 'Spring', Op. 24 'Frs-Sonate': 2. Adagio molto espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 5 In F Major 'Spring', Op. 24 'Frs-Sonate': 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 5 In F Major 'Spring', Op. 24 'Frs-Sonate': 4. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Twelve Variations In F Major On 'Se vuol ballare' (From Mozart's Opera 'The Marriage Of Figaro') WoO 40: Thema. Allegretto - Variazioni I-XII - Coda - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Rondo In G Major WoO 41: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Six German Dances (Allemandes) WoO 42: Six German Dances - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonate No. 6 In A Major, Op. 30 No. 1: 1. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 6 In A Major, Op. 30 No. 1: 2. Adagio molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 6 In A Major, Op. 30 No. 1: 3. Allegretto con Variazioni (I-VI) - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 7 In C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: 1. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 7 In C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: 2. Adagio cantabile - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 7 In C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: 3. Scherzo, Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 7 In C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: 4. Finale. Allegro - Presto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 8 In G Major, Op. 30 No. 3: 1. Allegro assai - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 8 In G Major, Op. 30 No. 3: 2. Tempo di Minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
Sonate No. 8 In G Major, Op. 30 No. 3: 3. Allegro vivace - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonate No. 9 In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer-Sonate': 1. Adagio sostenuto - Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 9 In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer-Sonate': 2. Andante con Variazioni I - IV - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 9 In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer-Sonate': 3. Finale. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 10 In G Major, Op. 96: 1. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 10 In G Major, Op. 96: 2. Adagio espressivo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 10 In G Major, Op. 96: 3. Scherzo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonate No. 10 In G Major, Op. 96: 4. Poco Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Not quite there!!!.......2002-04-06

These performances are just average!I have recordings of heifetz on tapes and they are great.I have also the exquisite performances by Perlman and Ashkenazy,perhaps the best!Here Kremer and Argerich (individually they may be great!)do not seem to be combining at all.added to this the flow of the music is interrupted by quixotic changes in tempo and dynamics.just not inspiring.Particularly the SPRING sonata is a big let down.Here Perlman and Ashkenazy combine perfectly to give a soaring lyrical reading.Just matchless!i would recommend The perlman and Ashkenazy as the best choice for these sonatas.

Stunning, enlivened presentation.......2001-09-05

Two soloist who perform well together (perhaps one of the best pairings in modern recordings) are Argerich and Kremer. Both are strong musicians, and often they can overwhelm others who are less competitive about their music. Not that these two compete with each other for supremacy. Instead, they blend their aggressiveness, producing lively, full-bodied performances where piano and violin challenge each other, then submit gracefully to the other's lead. This is Beethoven as you'd expect/want it to be played -- dramatic, bold, but then a little softened, coaxing out the pretty parts. The Spring and Kreutzer sonatas, probably the best known, are gems of this collection. All ten sonatas are included (which are also available on separate CDs but the whole collection is much more economically priced!). Listening to all ten is a journey through Beethoven's chamber music. Don't miss these performances!

GET THEM!.......2001-04-17

If I could have two choices of music to have on a deserted island, this would be my second choice. Turandot with Mehta conducting would be the first. Kremer and Argerich play these Beethoven Violin Sonatas with so much passion, joy, and drive that I am completely dazzled. They show me a brilliant universe which I have rarely experienced.

Kremer and Argerich play all the tracks of the four CDs except for three on the 2nd CD. Menuhin and Kempff play variations on theme of The Marriage of Figaro and Rondo in G major. And on third track Garret and Canino play Six German Dances.

An 85-page booklet comes with the set. It describes the pieces in an academic manner.

Wow..........2000-12-13

I am pained to admit that I have (up until now) only heard Gidon Kremer performing contemporary pieces. I have truly been missing out. Kremer's performance on this boxed set is impeccable - even the die-hard Beethoven fans will be pleased with his work on this album. Unlike the recent Mutter recordings of the sonatas, Kremer performs the pieces much as Beethoven intended (which in my mind is a better way to go than what Mutter did). I highly recommend this.

Review from Gramaphone.......1999-03-27

I havn't actually heard these recordings but from the review #6-8 recieved in Gramophone, they probably exceed or match any other recorded performances of these wonderful works. Gramophone wrote: "the 3 sonatas are irresistibly lively and individual spirits in the hands and imaginations of Agerich and Kremer."

Tracks:

Sonata No.2 In B Minor, Op.35: Allegro maestoso
Sonata No.2 In B Minor, Op.35: Scherzo: Molto vivace
Sonata No.2 In B Minor, Op.35: Largo
Sonata No.2 In B Minor, Op.35: Finale: Presto, non tanto
Waltz In E-Flat Major, Op.18
Sonata No.2 In B-Flat Minor, Op.35: Grave: Doppio movimento
Sonata No.2 In B-Flat Minor, Op.35: Scherzo
Sonata No.2 In B-Flat Minor, Op.35: Marche funebre
Sonata No.2 In B-Flat Minor, Op.35: Presto
Nocture In B-Flast Minor, Op.9 No.1
The Shepards Complaint
Romance, In F-Sharp, Op.28, No.2
Sonata No.16, In B-Flat Major, K.570: II. Adagio

Customer Reviews:

The everlasting genius' flame! .......2006-07-13

Febrile intensity, visceral enthusiasm, steeled fingering, unsurpassed poetry are some of the most praised epithets I would employ to resume in very brief words, the Promethean pianist per excellence, the unerring perfection of his unequaled sound.

Honesty, prodigious skillfulness and profound commitment will be the eternal feature of this distinguished artist.

The transcendence of these performances by far, surpasses all what the words may express. The Third sonata `s crystalline poetry and ethereal phrasing seems to emerge from the recording and literally hover all the hall. His artistic status allowed to achieve such expression level, and the only version which gets close in poetry is Dinu Lipatti.

The Nocturne Op. 9 is loaded of profound sentiment and transcendent lyricism as well as the Waltz Op. 18' s performance possesses such lyrical flight, charm, elegance and notorious élan, that one might state there is not any other version played with such sublime perfection, mercurial vehemence and aristocratic refinement.

The Second Sonata's performance is tinged of precognitive mood, dark poetry, featured of plumbed presages. This piece was performed just one week before the final flight in Australia Oct. 22 1953.

This album is a must-buy, due it's utopian to believe or even think to obtain such level of cathartic experience in the present times, due it does not seem the aim in the artistic minds of the actual generation of pianists. On the other hand, the creator imagination and inner fire he played is the consequence and not the cause of a spiritual attitude.

In memoriam!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Music for the Maases V.2 (+ Bonus DVD) [Import]

Tchaikovsky: The Symphonies [Box set]

The Art of Janos Ferencsik Vol. 1

Music: Party People in Da Place/Feel Music Revolution [CD-si

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Themes [Soundtrack]

The Presents the Carnival Featuring the Refugee Allstars

Tupelo Honey

Venus Is a Boy [CD-single]

Steel Pan

Verdi's Singers

Under the Radar

World Music France [Import]

The Best Of Masta Ace [Explicit Lyrics]

Intimate Worship

WJJZ 106.1: Smooth Jazz Sampler 12