Mozart: The Piano Sonatas

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

2. Piano Sonata No. 2 in F major, K. 280 (K. 189e)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

3. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B flat major, K. 281 (K.189f)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

4. Piano Sonata No. 4 in E flat major, K. 282 (K. 189g)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

5. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G major, K. 283 (K. 189h)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

6. Rondo for piano No. 1 in D major, K. 485 No 01 in D, K 485
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

7. Piano Sonata No. 6 in D major, K. 284 (K. 205b)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

8. Piano Sonata No. 7 in C major, K. 309 (K. 284b)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

9. Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310 (K. 300d)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

10. Piano Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311 (K. 284c)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

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

12. Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major ("Alla Turca") K. 331 (K. 300i)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

13. Piano Sonata No. 12 in F major, K. 332 (K. 300k)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

14. Fantasia for piano in D minor (fragment), K. 397 (K. 385g)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

15. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major ("Trumpet", "Hunt") K. 576
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

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

17. Fantasia for piano in C minor, K. 475
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

18. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C minor, K. 457
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

19. Piano Sonata No. 15 in C major ("Sonata semplice") K. 545
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

20. Piano Sonata No. 16 in B flat major, K. 570
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Lili Kraus

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas,Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,Lili Kraus,Sony,Classical,Classical Music,Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard,Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard,Keyboard,Rondo for Keyboard

Average customer rating: Yes, perfect Mozart-A prisoner of his own time. Good music and good value Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks FINALLY

Mozart: Piano Sonatas Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet ASIN: B00002DEH1 Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 2. Menuetto I - II
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 1. Allegro
4. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 2. Menuetto
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 1. Allegro
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 2. Andante
7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 3. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 1. Allegro assai
9. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 2. Adagio
10. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 3. Presto
11. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 1. Allegro
12. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 2. Andante amoroso
13. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
14. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 1. Adagio
15. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 2. Menuetto I - II
16. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 1. Allegro (K. 533)
2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 2. Andante (K. 533)
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 3. Rondo. Allegretto (K. 494)
4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 2. Andante
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
7. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 1. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
9. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 3. Allegretto
10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 1. Allegro
11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 2. Adagio
12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 3. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Yes, perfect.......2007-07-11

Fabulous music. Simple, direct, un-affected peformances that are a delight to listen-to over and over again. At times the playing is utterly sublime. These performances are technically perfect in a smooth sense - and totally absorbing.

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.

Average customer rating: High praise for Perlman and Barinboim Mozart at its best Wonderful to re-listen to these works. Simply Amazing! Perlman and Barenboim

Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Piano Sonatas Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Mozart: Violin Concertos Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos Mozart: The Six String Quintets ASIN: B00004SA87 Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

1. Sonata In G Major K. 301
2. Sonata In E Flat Major K. 302
3. Sonata In C Major K. 303
4. Sonata In A Major K. 305
5. Sonata In C Major K. 296
6. Sonata In E Minor K. 304
7. Sonata In D Major K. 306
8. Sonata In B Flat Major K. 378
9. Sonata In G Major K.379
10. Sonata In F Major K. 376
11. Sonata In E Flat Major K. 380
12. Sonata In B Flat Major K. 454
13. Sonata In E Flat Major K. 481
14. Sonata In A Major K. 526
15. Sonata In F Major K. 547

Customer Reviews:

High praise for Perlman and Barinboim.......2007-01-12

Best four CD's in my collection. Great material and wonderful performanc.!

Mozart at its best.......2006-08-28

This CD is an excellent introduction to Mozart's violin sonata's. Both artists are superb and play so very well together. I would highly recommend it.

Wonderful to re-listen to these works. .......2006-01-17

Many years ago, I owned, on vinyl, Mozart's Violin Sonatas. I don't remember the artists; however, I DO remember enjoying them immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity came with this recording to restore the complete Violin Sonatas by Mozart to my CD collection, I "jumped" at the chance. After all, this is Mozart's two-hundredth fifieth birthday; plus the recording is at a ridiculously low price, and MOST OF ALL, the recording features the esteemed musical team of Perlman and Barenboim--WHAT could be better than that? Please be advised, that my expectations have been fully realized and in actuality, they have been surpassed-the music is far more beautiful than I remember with Perlman and Barenboim making an exquisite musical team playing Mozart's gorgeous Violin Sonatas beautifully and sensitively!

If you love Mozart and want to hear some beautiful works played by masters of their respective instruments(at an unbelievable price) buy this CD collection. You will love it! The sound is great too belying the age of the recordings. They sound, to me, as if they were recorded very recently. In other words, great transfers to the CD format!

Simply Amazing!.......2005-04-10

This is a simply amazing recording. I was actually first introduced to some of these pieces that had been transcribed into clarinet duets. They are excellent for that medium, but they are absolutely brilliant in their original form as violin sonatas!

Perlman's playing is wonderful. At times it seems (to my untrained ear) that he may use a bit too much vibrato (or perhaps it's just too fast), though I'm not familiar with classical violin playing conventions, so this may be the proper way. Nonetheless, his tone is still rich and full and his technique is flawless. The pianist's playing is clear and accurate, and the two musicians make a perfect team (both technically and stylistically).

I'm not quite sure how these pieces fit into Mozarts body of work (stylistically, chronologically), but to me, they seem to have a youthful energy and vibrance that I've not heard in his later clarinet works. You will really enjoy them!

Perlman and Barenboim.......2005-03-17

...are incredible. I'm sure there is no one that would oppose this statement about Itzhak Perlman, but some say that Barenboim Beethovenizes Mozart. As a pianist myself, I strongly disagree. These recordings are very good. Sound quality is very nice. Highly recommended.

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 All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: 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:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Andante
3. III: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Assai
5. II: Adagio
6. III: Presto
7. I: Allegro Moderato
8. II: Andante Amoroso
9. III: Rondeau: Allegro
10. I: Adagio
11. II: Menuetto I - Menuetto II
12. III: Allegro
13. I: Allegro
14. II: Andante
15. III: Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Rondeau En Polonaise: Andante
3. III: Tema (Andante) Con Variazioni (I-XII)
4. I: Allegro Con Spirito
5. II: Andante Un Poco Adagio
6. III: Rondeau: Allegretto Grazioso
7. I: Allegro Maestoso
8. II: Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
9. III: Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Spirito
2. II: Andantino Con Espressione
3. III: Rondeau: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Moderato
5. II: Andante Cantabile
6. III: Allegretto
7. I: Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni (I-VI)
8. II: Menuetto - Trio
9. III: Alla Turca: Allegretto
10. I: Allegro
11. II: Adagio
12. III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Andante Cantabile
3. III: Allegretto Grazioso
4. Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu Allegro - Tempo I
5. I: Molto Allegro
6. II: Adagio
7. III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Andante Cantabile
3. III: Allegretto
4. I: Allegro
5. II: Andante
6. III: Rondo
7. I: Allegro
8. II: Adagio
9. III: Allegretto
10. I: Allegro
11. II: Adagio
12. III: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Tema ('Laat Ons Juichen'): Allegretto
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6
8. Variation 7: Adagio
9. Variation 8: Tempo I
10. Tema (Air): Allegro
11. Variation 1
12. Variation 2
13. Variation 3
14. Variation 4
15. Variation 5: Adagio
16. Variation 6: Tempo I
17. Variation 7
18. Tema (Menuetto): Andante
19. Variation 1
20. Variation 2
21. Variation 3
22. Variation 4
23. Variation 5: Adagio
24. Variation 6: Allegretto
25. Tema (Menuet)
26. Variation 1
27. Variation 2
28. Variation 3
29. Variation 4
30. Variation 5
31. Variation 6
32. Variation 7
33. Variation 8
34. Variation 9
35. Variation 10
36. Variation 11: Adagio
37. Variation 12: Allegro
38. Tema (Air): Allegretto
39. Variation 1
40. Variation 2
41. Variation 3
42. Variation 4
43. Variation 5
44. Variation 6
45. Variation 7
46. Variation 8: Tempo Di Menuetto
47. Variation 9
48. Variation 10: Allegretto
49. Variation 11
50. Variation 12: Molto Adagio
51. Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Tema
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6
8. Variation 7
9. Variation 8
10. Variation 9
11. Variation 10
12. Variation 11: Adagio
13. Variation 12: Allegro
14. Tema
15. Variation 1
16. Variation 2
17. Variation 3
18. Variation 4
19. Variation 5
20. Variation 6
21. Variation 7
22. Variation 8
23. Variation 9
24. Variation 10
25. Variation 11: Adagio
26. Variation 12: Presto
27. Tema: Andante
28. Variation 1
29. Variation 2
30. Variation 3
31. Variation 4
32. Variation 5
33. Variation 6
34. Variation 7
35. Variation 8: Adagio
36. Variation 9: Allegro
37. Tempo Di Tema
38. Tema
39. Variation 1
40. Variation 2
41. Variation 3
42. Variation 4
43. Variation 5
44. Variation 6
45. Variation 7: Adagio
46. Variation 8: Allegro
47. Tema
48. Variation 1
49. Variation 2
50. Variation 3
51. Variation 4
52. Variation 5
53. Variation 6

Tracks:

1. Tema: Allegretto
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6
8. Variation 7
9. Variation 8
10. Variation 9: Adagio
11. Variation 10: Allegro
12. (Tempo I)
13. Tema: Allegretto
14. Variation 1
15. Variation 2
16. Variation 3
17. Variation 4
18. Variation 5
19. Variation 6
20. Variation 7
21. Variation 8
22. Variation 9
23. Variation 10
24. Variation 11: Adagio
25. Variation 12: Allegro
26. (Tempo I)
27. Tema: Allegretto
28. Variation 1
29. Variation 2
30. Variation 3
31. Variation 4
32. Variation 5
33. Variation 6
34. Tema
35. Variation 1
36. Variation 2
37. Variation 3
38. Variation 4
39. Variation 5
40. Variation 6
41. Variation 7
42. Variation 8: Adagio
43. Variation 9: Allegro
44. (Tempo I)
45. Tema
46. Variation 1
47. Variation 2
48. Variation 3
49. Variation 4
50. Variation 5
51. Variation 6
52. Variation 7: Adagio
53. Variation 8: Allegro
54. (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.

My only complaint with this 8 CD set is that the advertised piano sonatas occupy the first 5 CDs; the last three are piano variations -- interesting, but not of the quality of the sonatas themselves. Surely a less-expensive 5-CD set, providing just the sonatas advertised in the title, would offer better value for money. On the other hand, 5 great CDs for $48 isn't a bad deal.

Average customer rating: one of a few violin sonatas that i like Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301, 304, 376 & 526 I LOVE this recording. Excellent skill but need more style (this CD) Every note counts

Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301, 304, 376 & 526 Hilary Hahn , and Zhu Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hahn, Hilary | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1; Spohr: Violin Concerto No. 8 Hilary Hahn ~ Beethoven - Violin Concerto · Bernstein - Serenade Bach Concertos Elgar: Violin Concerto / Lark Ascending Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante ASIN: B0009JAENU Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Andante
3. III. Rondeau. Allegretto Grazioso
4. I. Allegro Con Spirito
5. II. Allegro
6. I. Allegro
7. II. Tempo Di Menuetto
8. I. Molto Allegro
9. II. Andante
10. III. Presto

Amazon.com

Hilary Hahn is a splendid violinist, with an easy, flawless technique and a tone of pristine purity. She has already gained a reputation as a singularly serious performer; even her photographs show her in strikingly thoughtful poses. Indeed, her approach to the four Mozart sonatas on this recording seems to be almost too thoughtful: everything is so carefully planned that there is no room for imagination or spontaneity. Her tone is invariably beautiful but never varies in color or intensity; shifts of mood and character are heralded with tempo changes, ritards, breaks, and long pauses, even when Mozart clearly indicates a connection, as in the Finale of the Sonata K. 526. The ensemble with her long-time friend and partner Natalie Zhu is excellent, but they seem to have agreed to disagree on certain points, such as the execution of trills and ornaments, and the articulation of short notes: Hahn's playing is rounder and more lyrical, Zhu's brisker and more pointed. Both follow the current trend of superimposing dynamics and contrasts on the written score, as if they did not trust the music to speak for itself, but this only results in fussiness and a loss of continuity and simplicity. However, the balance is so good that the interchange between more and less prominent voices comes out perfectly. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

one of a few violin sonatas that i like.......2006-08-20

i am a causal violin sonatas listener as i listen to violin concertos more.

this recording makes me appreciate mozart's work even more, and hilary hahn is just superb as always - and i have no complain on how natalie zhu turned out in this recording.

Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301, 304, 376 & 526.......2006-06-28

Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301, 304, 376 & 526~ Hilary Hahn is a splendid recoding of some of Mozarts Violin Sonatas. Ms Hahn is a very beautifull and accomplished violinist that certainly plays with such skill and prowess that is worthy of Mozart and his stupendous compositions. Ms Zhu is no second fiddle here and her piano playing skill is amazing in its own right. Anyone whom has read my prior reviews knows that I love Mozart and rank him alongst with Bach, Wagner and Beethoven as the best composers ever. Mozarts music speaks directly to ones soul and ones inner senses that few composers are able to do. The book-let is a great piece of work and the beautifull photos of a serene and pensive looking Ms Hahn are so beautifull and the foreword is very well written indeed. I highly recommend this album to lovers of Mozart and to lovers of great music in general. This astounding album will not disapoint in any way, 5 out of 5 stars.

I LOVE this recording........2006-06-03

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

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

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

Excellent skill but need more style (this CD).......2006-05-24

After reading so many 5 star comments on this CD, I ran to the 'Add to Shopping List" button and checked it out in seconds. Once it arrived, I immediately put on my Grado headphone and started to enjoy. However, as much as I hate to daub black dots on the sheet, I have to say the performance is a bit stiff and lack of self interpretation. It's like listening to my father's students (conservatory level) playing violin in their sessions, good (of course Hillary is better) but need more style. On this CD, Hillary is displayed as a well trained, highly skilled violinist. She plays each piece perfectly, just a bit too perfect for me. I actually think she is a very cute, interesting person with more to offer, and I love reading her web diaries too. Maybe it's the violin she's using that made the sound appear to be too pristine and...stiff (?). Here is an interesting observation, I found the later the tracks on this CD, the better of performance I am use to. And one more "sorry" to the other positive reviewers, Natalie sounded like one of my mom's students (conservatory level), one of the few good ones though:p

Every note counts.......2006-02-28

There are no hiding places in Mozart, every note counts. Hilary Hahn gives every note
a flavor. This cd is a model of what treasures can be heard in Mozart when realized by a superior artist.

Average customer rating: One of the best compilations Mitsuko the light on keybord. Please ignore the low reviews on this set! Weird, weird recording 1991 Gramophone Award Winner

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Uchida, Mitsuko | ( U ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Piano Concertos Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin "Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111" Mitsuko Uchida Plays Schubert Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B00005QDYG Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Andante
3. Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Allegro
4. Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Allegro Assai
5. Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Adagio
6. Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Presto
7. Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Andante Amoroso
9. Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Rondeau[Allegro]
10. Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Adagio
11. Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Menuetto 1 & 2
12. Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Allegro
13. Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Allegro
14. Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Andante
15. Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Presto
16. Allegro
17. Rondeau En Polonaise (Andante)
18. Tema Con Variazioni
19. 1. Allegro Con Spirito
20. 2. Andante, Un Poco Adagio
21. 3. Rondeau (Allegretto Grazioso)
22. 1. Allegro Maestoso
23. 2. Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
24. 3. Presto
25. 1. Allegro Con Spirito
26. 2. Andantino Con Espressione
27. 3. Rondeau (Allegro)
28. 1. Allegro Moderato
29. 2. Andante Cantabile
30. 3. Allegretto
31. 1. Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni
32. 2. Menuetto
33. 3. Alla Turca (Allegretto)
34. 1- Sonata In F, Kv 332-300k - Allegro
35. 2- Adagio
36. 3- Allegro Assai
37. 1- Sonata In B Flat, Kv 333-315c - Allegro
38. 2- Andante Cantabile
39. 3- Allegretto Grazioso
40. Fantasia In C Minor Kv 475 (Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu` Alleg Ro - Tempo I)
41. 1- Sonata In C Minor, Kv 457 - Molto Allegro
42. 2- Adagio
43. 3- Allegro Assai
44. 1. Allegro
45. 2. Andante
46. 3. Rondo (Allegro)
47. 1. Allegro
48. 2. Adagio
49. 3. Allegretto
50. 1. Allegro
51. 2. Adagio
52. 3. Allegretto
53. 1. Allegro, Kv 533
54. 2. Andante, Kv 533
55. 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.

Average customer rating: Brilliant

Mozart: Piano & Violin Sonatas [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD] Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD] Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD] Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006 ASIN: B0007D09GK Release Date: 2005-07-12

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2005-07-20

Mitsuko Uchida has made a name for herself playing all the Mozart sonatas and concerti for piano, as well as Schubert piano works and an underappreciated CD of Schumann's Kreisleriana and Carnaval, among other things. Now she is breaking new ground as an accompanist. After a highly successful recording of Schubert's "Die Schone Mullerin" with Ian Bostridge, Ms. Uchida has essayed a gorgeous set of some of Mozart's more delicious piano and violin sonatas with Mark Steinberg of the Brentano string quartet - an energetic and rising young ensemble. Mr. Steinberg has a number of other recordings to his credit, including Schumann chamber music. He has also prepared the notes for this edition, which are far from the arid, technical remarks one often sees. He may overwrite, but he gives a lot to think about. The recording is lush and sparkling on this Philips hybrid SACD. (You can listen to it on any CD player, however.) There are of course many other competing recordings of Mozart's violin sonatas, but this one is special. The playing is elegant, nuanced and expressive. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Just pick out a sonata and sit back and listen. These are gems of the repertoire and lovingly rendered.

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 All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | 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: Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy Favourite Spanish Encores Mozart: Piano Sonatas Mozart: Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn Mozart: The 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.

These performances are not newly recorded-once again, the recording companies are putting out new product by repackaging old material. But in this case, the quality of the material is so good that I can scarcely complain-its old wine in new bottles! The CDs were recorded in 1990 and 1991, when the Barcelonian pianist was almost 70 years old. I certainly hope that I'm capable of similar accomplishment at that age-so I'd better sign off now and get practicing!

Average customer rating:

Mozart: The Collector's Edition - (50 CD Set) Including Symphonies (selection), Piano Sonatas, Concerti, Masses, Operas (Nozze di Figaro, Zauberflote, Cosi fan Tutte), etc. Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bassoon | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Schubert: The Collector's Edition Beethoven: The Collector's Edition [50-CD Box Set] Beethoven: the collectors edition 50CD"s Rhapsody in Blue - Ultimate Piano Collection [20 CD Set] Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set ASIN: B000NA2PD2 Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. I: Molto Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
7. I: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra
8. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
9. III: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
10. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
11. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
12. III: Molto Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
13. I: Allegro Maestoso - English Chamber Orchestra
14. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
15. III: Molto Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
16. I: Allegro Maestoso - English Chamber Orchestra
17. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
18. III: Menuetto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
19. IV: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
4. Appendix: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
5. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
6. II: Andantino Grazioso - English Chamber Orchestra
7. III: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
8. I: Allegro Con Brio - English Chamber Orchestra
9. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
10. III: Menuetto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
11. IV: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Molto Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro Moderato - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Menuetto - English Chamber Orchestra
7. IV: Allegro Con Spirito - English Chamber Orchestra
8. I: Molto Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
9. II: Andantino Con Moto - English Chamber Orchestra
10. III: Menuetto - English Chamber Orchestra
11. IV: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
12. I: Allegro Spiritoso - English Chamber Orchestra
13. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
14. III: Menuetto: Allegretto - English Chamber Orchestra
15. IV: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Spiritoso - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegro Spiritoso - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro Con Spirito - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Menuetto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
7. IV: Finale: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
8. I: Adagio - Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
9. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
10. III: Menuetto: Allegretto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
11. IV: Finale: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Vivace - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante Di Molto - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Finale: Allegro Vivace - English Chamber Orchestra
4. Appendix: Menuetto & Trio K409 (383f) - English Chamber Orchestra
5. I: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra
6. II: Andante Moderato - English Chamber Orchestra
7. III: Menuetto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
8. IV: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio - Allegro Spiritoso - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Poco Adagio - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Menuetto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
4. IV: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
5. I: Adagio - Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
6. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
7. III: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Molto Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Menuetto: Allegretto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
4. IV: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra
5. I: Allegro Vivace - English Chamber Orchestra
6. II: Andante Cantabile - English Chamber Orchestra
7. III: Menuetto: Allegretto & Trio - English Chamber Orchestra
8. IV: Molto Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Cadenza - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andantino - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Rondeau: Presto - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro Maestoso - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegretto - English Chamber Orchestra
7. Concerto Rondo For Piano & Orchestra No.1 In D K382 - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Larghetto - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Tempo Di Menuetto - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegretto - English Chamber Orchestra
7. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
8. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
9. III: Allegro - Adagio - Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Vivace - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andantino - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
7. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
8. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
9. III: Allegro Di Molto - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegretto - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Larghetto - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegretto - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Vivace - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante Un Poco Sostenuto - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegro Vivace - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Allegretto - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Romanze - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Rondeau: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Larghetto - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegretto Assai - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Maestoso - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Allegro Vivace Assai - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Larghetto - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
2. II: Andante - English Chamber Orchestra
3. III: Rondo: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
4. I: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra
5. II: Adagio - English Chamber Orchestra
6. III: Allegro Assai - English Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I: (Allegro Moderato) - David Oistrakh
2. II: Adagio - David Oistrakh
3. III: Presto - David Oistrakh
4. I: (Allegro Moderato) - David Oistrakh
5. II: (Andante) - David Oistrakh
6. III: Rondeau: Allegro - David Oistrakh
7. I: Allegro - David Oistrakh
8. II: Adagio - David Oistrakh
9. III: Rondeau: Allegro - Andante - Allegretto - David Oistrakh
10. Rondo For Violin And Orchestra In C K373 - David Oistrakh

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - David Oistrakh
2. II: Andante Cantabile - David Oistrakh
3. III: Rondeau: Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo - David Oistrakh
4. I: Allegro Aperto - David Oistrakh
5. II: Adagio - David Oistrakh
6. III: Rondeau: Tempo Di Menuetto - Allegro - David Oistrakh

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Jeffrey Tate
2. II: Rondo: Allegro - Jeffrey Tate
3. I: Allegro Maestoso - Jeffrey Tate
4. II: Andante - Jeffrey Tate
5. III: Rondo: Allegro - Jeffrey Tate
6. I: Allegro - Jeffrey Tate
7. II: Romance: Larghetto - Jeffrey Tate
8. III: Allegro - Jeffrey Tate
9. I: Allegro Moderato - Jeffrey Tate
10. II: Romance: Andante Cantabile - Jeffrey Tate
11. III: Rondo: Allegro Vivace - Jeffrey Tate
12. Rondo In E Flat K371 - Jeffrey Tate

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Gordon Hunt
2. II: Adagio - Gordon Hunt
3. III: Rondeau: Allegro - Gordon Hunt
4. I: Allegro - Gordon Hunt
5. II: Larghetto - Gordon Hunt
6. III: Menuetto - Gordon Hunt
7. IV: Allegretto Con Variazioni - Gordon Hunt
8. I: Allegro - Jane Glover
9. II: Adagio - Jane Glover
10. III: Rondo: Allegro - Jane Glover

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
2. II: Adagio Non Troppo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
3. III: Rondo: Tempo Di Menuetto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
4. I: Allegro Aperto - Andrew Litton
5. II: Adagio Non Troppo - Andrew Litton
6. III: Rondo: Allegretto - Andrew Litton
7. I: Allegro - Andrew Litton
8. II: Andantino - Andrew Litton
9. III: Rondeau: Allegro - Andrew Litton

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Jane Glover
2. II: Romanze: Andante - Jane Glover
3. III: Menuetto: Allegretto & Trio - Jane Glover
4. IV: Rondo: Allegro - Jane Glover
5. I: Allegro - Jane Glover
6. II: Andante Ma Adagio - Jane Glover
7. III: Rondo: Tempo Di Menuetto - Jane Glover
8. I: Allegro - Jane Glover
9. II: Andante - Jane Glover
10. III: Presto - Jane Glover
11. I: Andante - Jane Glover
12. II: Allegro Di Molto - Jane Glover
13. III: Allegro Assai - Jane Glover
14. I: Allegro - Jane Glover
15. II: Andante - Jane Glover
16. III: Presto - Jane Glover

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Maestoso - Allegro Molto - Yehudi Menuhin
2. II: Andante - Yehudi Menuhin
3. III: Menuetto & Trio - Yehudi Menuhin
4. IV: Rondo: Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin
5. V: Menuetto Galante & Trio - Yehudi Menuhin
6. VI: Andante - Yehudi Menuhin
7. VII: Menuetto & Trios I & II - Yehudi Menuhin
8. VIII: Adagio - Allegro Assai - Yehudi Menuhin
9. I: Marcia: Maestoso - Yehudi Menuhin
10. II: Menuetto & Trio - Yehudi Menuhin
11. III: Rondeau: Allegretto - Yehudi Menuhin

Tracks:

1. I: Largo - Allegro Molto - Consortium Classicum
2. II: Menuetto & Trios I & II - Consortium Classicum
3. III: Adagio - Consortium Classicum
4. IV: Menuetto & Trios I & II - Consortium Classicum
5. V: Romance: Adagio - Allegretto - Consortium Classicum
6. VI: Thema: Andante With Variations - Consortium Classicum
7. VII: Rondo: Allegro Molto - Consortium Classicum
8. I: Allegro - Consortium Classicum
9. II: Menuetto I - Consortium Classicum
10. III: Adagio - Consortium Classicum
11. IV: Menuetto II & Trios I & II - Consortium Classicum
12. V: Allegro - Consortium Classicum

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Consortium Classicum
2. II: Andante - Consortium Classicum
3. III: Menuetto In Canone - Consortium Classicum
4. IV: Allegro - Consortium Classicum
5. I: Allegro Spiritoso - Consortium Classicum
6. II: Andante - Consortium Classicum
7. III: Menuetto - Consortium Classicum
8. IV: Contredanse En Rondeau: Molto Allegro - Consortium Classicum
9. I: Allegro - Consortium Classicum
10. II: Andante Grazioso - Consortium Classicum
11. III: Menuetto - Consortium Classicum
12. IV: Allegro - Consortium Classicum
13. I: Andante - Consortium Classicum
14. II: Menuetto - Consortium Classicum
15. III: Polonaise: Andante - Consortium Classicum
16. IV: Presto Assai - Consortium Classicum
17. I: Allegro Molto - Consortium Classicum
18. II: Andantino - Consortium Classicum
19. III: Menuetto: Moderato - Consortium Classicum
20. IV: Presto - Consortium Classicum

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Moderato - Heutling Quartet
2. II: Andante - Heutling Quartet
3. III: Menuetto: Allegretto - Heutling Quartet
4. IV: Allegretto Ma Non Troppo - Heutling Quartet
5. I: Allegro Non Troppo - Heutling Quartet
6. II: Andante Con Moto - Heutling Quartet
7. III: Menuetto: Allegretto - Allegro - Heutling Quartet
8. IV: Allegro Vivace - Heutling Quartet
9. I: Allegro Vivace Assai - Heutling Quartet
10. II: Menuetto Moderato - Heutling Quartet
11. III: Adagio - Heutling Quartet
12. IV: Allegro Assai - Heutling Quartet

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
2. II: Menuetto - Heutling Quartet
3. III: Andante - Heutling Quartet
4. IV: Allegro Non Troppo - Heutling Quartet
5. I: Adagio - Allegro - Heutling Quartet
6. II: Andante Cantabile - Heutling Quartet
7. III: Menuetto: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
8. IV: Allegro Molto - Heutling Quartet
9. I: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
10. II: Larghetto - Heutling Quartet
11. III: Menuetto: Moderato - Heutling Quartet
12. IV: Allegro Assai - Heutling Quartet

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
2. II: Andante - Heutling Quartet
3. III: Menuetto: Allegretto - Heutling Quartet
4. IV: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
5. I: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
6. II: Menuetto: Allegretto - Heutling Quartet
7. III: Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Heutling Quartet
8. IV: Adagio - Allegro - Heutling Quartet

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Moderato - Heutling Quartet
2. II: Adagio - Heutling Quartet
3. III: Menuetto Ma Allegretto - Heutling Quartet
4. IV: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
5. I: Larghetto - Allegro - Heutling Quartet
6. II: Adagio - Heutling Quartet
7. III: Menuetto Ma Allegretto - Heutling Quartet
8. IV: Allegro - Heutling Quartet
9. I: Allegro Di Molto - Heutling Quartet
10. II: Andante - Heutling Quartet
11. III: Menuetto: Allegretto - Heutling Quartet
12. IV: Allegro - Heutling Quartet

Tracks:

1. Allegro Con Spirito - Sviatoslav Richter
2. II: Andantino Catabile - Sviatoslav Richter
3. III: Allegretto - Sviatoslav Richter
4. I: Allegro Moderato - Sviatoslav Richter
5. II: Andantino Sostenuto E Cantabile - Sviatoslav Richter
6. III: Rondo: Allegro - Sviatoslav Richter
7. I: Andante - Sviatoslav Richter
8. II: Allegro - Sviatoslav Richter
9. I: Allegro - Sviatoslav Richter

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Spirito - Daniel Barenboim
2. II: Andantino Con Espressione - Daniel Barenboim
3. III: Rondeau: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
4. I: Allegro Moderato - Daniel Barenboim
5. II: Andante Cantabile - Daniel Barenboim
6. III: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
7. I: Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni (I-VI) - Daniel Barenboim
8. II: Menuetto - Trio - Daniel Barenboim
9. III: Alla Turca: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
10. I: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
11. II: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
12. III: Allegro Assai - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
2. II: Andante Cantabile - Daniel Barenboim
3. III: Allegretto Grazioso - Daniel Barenboim
4. Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu Allegro - Tempo I - Daniel Barenboim
5. I: Molto Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
6. II: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
7. III: Allegro Assai - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
2. II: Andante Cantabile - Daniel Barenboim
3. III: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
4. I: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
5. II: Andante - Daniel Barenboim
6. III: Rondo - Daniel Barenboim
7. I: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
8. II: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
9. III: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
10. I: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
11. II: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
12. III: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

1. Tema ('Laat Ons Juichen') (Allegretto) - Daniel Barenboim
2. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
3. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
4. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
5. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
6. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
7. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
8. Variation 7: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
9. Variation 8 (Tempo I) - Daniel Barenboim
10. Tema (Air): Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
11. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
12. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
13. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
14. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
15. Variation 5: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
16. Variation 6 (Tempo I) - Daniel Barenboim
17. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
18. Tema (Menuetto): Andante - Daniel Barenboim
19. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
20. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
21. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
22. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
23. Variation 5: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
24. Variation 6: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
25. Tema (Menuet) - Daniel Barenboim
26. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
27. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
28. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
29. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
30. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
31. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
32. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
33. Variation 8 - Daniel Barenboim
34. Variation 9 - Daniel Barenboim
35. Variation 10 - Daniel Barenboim
36. Variation 11: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
37. Variation 12: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
38. Tema (Air): Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
39. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
40. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
41. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
42. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
43. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
44. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
45. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
46. Variation 8 (Tempo Di Menuetto) - Daniel Barenboim
47. Variation 9 - Daniel Barenboim
48. Variation 10: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
49. Variation 11 - Daniel Barenboim
50. Variation 12 (Molto Adagio -) - Daniel Barenboim
51. Variation 12 (Allegretto) - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

1. Tema - Daniel Barenboim
2. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
3. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
4. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
5. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
6. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
7. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
8. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
9. Variation 8 - Daniel Barenboim
10. Variation 9 - Daniel Barenboim
11. Variation 10 - Daniel Barenboim
12. Variation 11: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
13. Variation 12: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
14. Tema - Daniel Barenboim
15. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
16. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
17. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
18. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
19. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
20. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
21. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
22. Variation 8 - Daniel Barenboim
23. Variation 9 - Daniel Barenboim
24. Variation 10 - Daniel Barenboim
25. Variation 11: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
26. Variation 12: Presto - Daniel Barenboim
27. Tema: Andante - Daniel Barenboim
28. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
29. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
30. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
31. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
32. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
33. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
34. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
35. Variation 8: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
36. Variation 9 (Allegro -) - Daniel Barenboim
37. Variation 9 (Tempo Di Tema) - Daniel Barenboim
38. Tema - Daniel Barenboim
39. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
40. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
41. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
42. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
43. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
44. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
45. Variation 7: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
46. Variation 8: Allegro - Daniel Barenboim
47. Tema - Daniel Barenboim
48. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
49. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
50. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
51. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
52. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
53. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

1. Tema: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
2. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
3. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
4. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
5. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
6. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
7. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
8. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
9. Variation 8 - Daniel Barenboim
10. Variation 9: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
11. Variation 10 (Allegro -) - Daniel Barenboim
12. Variation 10 (Tempo I) - Daniel Barenboim
13. Tema: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
14. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
15. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
16. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
17. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
18. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
19. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
20. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
21. Variation 8 - Daniel Barenboim
22. Variation 9 - Daniel Barenboim
23. Variation 10 - Daniel Barenboim
24. Variation 11: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
25. Variation 12 (Allegro -) - Daniel Barenboim
26. Variation 12 (Tempo I) - Daniel Barenboim
27. Tema: Allegretto - Daniel Barenboim
28. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
29. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
30. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
31. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
32. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
33. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
34. Tema - Daniel Barenboim
35. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
36. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
37. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
38. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
39. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
40. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
41. Variation 7 - Daniel Barenboim
42. Variation 8: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
43. Variation 9 (Allegro -) - Daniel Barenboim
44. Variation 9 (Tempo I) - Daniel Barenboim
45. Tema - Daniel Barenboim
46. Variation 1 - Daniel Barenboim
47. Variation 2 - Daniel Barenboim
48. Variation 3 - Daniel Barenboim
49. Variation 4 - Daniel Barenboim
50. Variation 5 - Daniel Barenboim
51. Variation 6 - Daniel Barenboim
52. Variation 7: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
53. Variation 8 (Allegro -) - Daniel Barenboim
54. Variation 8 (Tempo I) - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

1. Lieder: Sehnsucht Nach Dem Fruhlinge K596 - Barbara Hendricks
2. Lieder: An Die Hoffnung K390 (340c) - Barbara Hendricks
3. Lieder: Der Zauberer K472 - Barbara Hendricks
4. Lieder: Die Kleine Spinnerin K531 - Barbara Hendricks
5. Lieder: Die Verschweigung K518 - Barbara Hendricks
6. Lieder: Das Lied Der Trennung K519 - Barbara Hendricks
7. Lieder: Die Zufriedenheit K473 - Barbara Hendricks
8. Lieder: Als Luise Die Briefe K520 - Barbara Hendricks
9. Lieder: An Die Einsamkeit K391 (340b) - Barbara Hendricks
10. Lieder: Das Veilchen K476 - Barbara Hendricks
11. Lieder: Abendempfindung K523 - Barbara Hendricks
12. Lieder: An Chloe K524 - Barbara Hendricks
13. Cantata: Die Ihr Des Unermesslichen Weltalls K619 - Barbara Hendricks
14. Canzonetta: Ridente La Calma K152 - Barbara Hendricks
15. Lieder: Dans Un Bois Solitaire K308 - Barbara Hendricks
16. Lieder: Oiseaux, Si Tous Les Ans K307 (284d) - Barbara Hendricks
17. Lieder: Un Moto Di Gioia K579 - Barbara Hendricks
18. Lieder: Komm, Liebe Zither K351 (367b) - Barbara Hendricks

Average customer rating: Good Alternative Beethoven Cello Set... Great Stuff Ma and Ax do it again!

Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Piano & Cello Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music 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: Brahms: Sonatas for Cello and Piano Chopin: Polonaise brilliante; Cello Sonata; Piano Trio Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Elgar, Walton: Cello Concertos ASIN: B0000026GN Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 1 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 1 (F Major): I - Adagio sostenuto; Allegro
2. Sonata No. 1 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 1 (F Major): II - Rondo: Allegro vivace
3. Sonata No. 2 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 2 (G Minor): I - Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo; Allegro molto piu tosto presto
4. Sonata No. 2 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 2 (G Minor): II - Rondo: Allegro
5. Sonata No. 4 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 1 (C Major): I - Andante; Allegro vivace
6. Sonata No. 4 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 1 (C Major): II - Adagio; Allegro vivace

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 3 For Piano & Cello, Op. 69 (A Major): I - Allegro ma non tanto
2. Sonata No. 3 For Piano & Cello, Op. 69 (A Major): II - Scherzo: Allegro molto
3. Sonata No. 3 For Piano & Cello, Op. 69 (A Major): III - Adagio cantabile; Allegro vivace
4. Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 2 (D Major): I - Allegro con brio
5. Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 2 (D Major): II - Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
6. Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 2 (D Major): III - Allegro fugato
7. Seven Variations On The Theme 'In Men, Who Know The Feeling Of Love' From Mozart's (From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute, For Cello And Piano, WoO 46)
8. Twelve Variations On The Theme 'A Maiden Or A Wife' (From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute, For Cello And Piano, Op. 66)

Amazon.com essential recording

These are among the finest modern recordings of Beethoven's Cello Sonatas. The two players are well matched, as they should be in this music, which is just as demanding for the pianist as for the cellist, if not more so. They don't try to differentiate stylistically among early, middle, and late sonatas. They play them all in a large scale, concert-hall manner, which actually suits all of them very well. Unfortunately, in reducing this recording to two CDs, the producers have dropped one set of Variations, which was recorded. What is present, though, is choice. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Good Alternative Beethoven Cello Set..........2005-11-16

Seems to be a lot of disagreement on this set. I have both this one and the Fournier & Kempff set. I like them both. I can say that Ma & Ax take all repeats, thusly extending the playing time of each movement anywhere from 3-5mins over the Fournier & Kempff set. I've always thought Ma a fine cellist. I rate his Bach solo cello second only to Casals, and tied with Fournier. Ax is a solid pianist, if not brilliant. Kempff is preferred with Beethoven, however.

Anyway, this is a solid set: can't go wrong. The Fournier & Kempff set, likewise.

Great Stuff.......2003-06-23

I have listened to many recordings of these sonatas and I have to admit that these are amazing!
Although I agree that Yo-Yo Ma is not the best cellist to have ever walked the earth (anyone who knows anythign about cello playing would admit this) he is certainly without doubt the best around at the moment!!! Who knows who he rates better than Ma. Du Pre?? I hope not!
People often forget that a sonata is a piece of chamber music! Ma and Ax, certainly not forgeting this play so beautifully together in this that this is a piece of chamber music that cannot be missed!
BUY IT!!!!!!!! (Whilst throwing away any recordings of du pre!)

Ma and Ax do it again!.......2000-06-13

At first I was hesitant to buy this set because of the price. But later I found out that it was well worth it. Their ability to basically control the instruments that they are playing is incredible. Most importantly is the feeling that they have put in to the Beethoven cello sonatas. I have noticed that of all the classical duos and trios that i have heard, Ma and Ax are the best. They seem to communicate well together while playing. This selection definitely receives five stars.

Average customer rating: Spectacular recording of spectacular music Disappointing Sound Quality Very touching performance. Casals and Serkin play Beethoven for the Gods Deeply-probing classic interpretations (but not *quite* complete)

Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music 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: Bach: Cello Suites Franz Schubert: Quintet/Symphony No.5 Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat J. S. Bach: Suites for Cello, 1, 2 & 3; Pablo Casals Johannes Brahms: Sextet No. 1/Piano Trio No. 1 ASIN: B0000029L7 Release Date: 1994-02-22

Tracks:

1. I. Adagio Sostenuto - Allegro-Adagio-Presto
2. II. Rondo. Allegro Vivace
3. I. Adagio Sostenuto E Espressivo/Allegro Molto Piu Tosto Presto
4. II. Rondo. Allegro
5. I. Andante - Allegro Vivace
6. II. Adagio - Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
2. II. Scherzo. Allegro Molto
3. III. Adagio Cantabile - Allegro Vivace
4. I. Allegro Con Brio
5. II. Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'affetto
6. III. Allegro - Allegro Fugato
7. 7 Variations On/Uber/Sur 'Bei Mannern, Welche Liebe Fuhlen' From/Aus/De Mozart's 'Die Zauberflote'/ < > WoO.46
8. 12 Variations On/Uber/Sur 'Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen' From/Aus/De Mozart's 'Die Zauberflote'/ < > WoO.66

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular recording of spectacular music.......2007-06-08

I didn't even know that Beethoven wrote sonatas for cello and piano until I came across this recording; both the music and the musicians are spectacularly good. Get it today!

Disappointing Sound Quality.......2007-01-09

I have heard of these sonatas for years, but had never heard them. I chose the Casals/Serkin set because of my familiarity with other performances by him. Although Casals and Serkin are unassailable as interpreters and performers, I found this set disappointing because of what I can only describe as ugly sounds - there is a harshness to the sound quality, at least in places, which I think is probably to be ascribed to the age of the recording rather than the performance. Still, I found it jarring, and it marred my enjoyment.

Very touching performance. .......2007-01-03

This album is one of the most beautiful music experiences I had in many years; I'm amateur listener but I can say that both interpreters are playing these compositions with such a passion and love that is probably not too common these days anymore. Originally I felt that the technical quality of this mono recording is bit distracting, but after a few weeks of listening this album over and over I don't mind the sound at all - the quality of music makes up for it, and I actually like the recording as it is presented to us, wouldn't want any change. I very much recommend this album. I'm planning to buy another copy as a gift for someone close.

Casals and Serkin play Beethoven for the Gods .......2006-03-29

This set is desert island gorgeous. Playing with passion, elegance, at times abandon, the performers are completely in tune with each other. This is elevated chamber music playing of an aristocratic order.

You can hear Casals grunting and moaning with pleasure through the performances - it sounds as though he's making love to his cello. Serkin's playing is simply beautiful - lucid and warm with some of the best trills I've heard - his playing in opus 60 is thrilling. Good clear sound allows you to listen unencumbered by distraction to this spectacular music-making.

The Schnabel - Fournier set of these pieces is quite wonderful, too - spunky and sparkling with Schnabel's great paced and joyous playing. The Schnabel virile luminosity is all there, partnered by Fournier's richly expressive and dignified cello. While it sounds like the historic performance it is, I rarely mind or notice. Art is what counts and the beauty of these performances shines through with radiant surrender. Who cares about a little interference - it adds to the wonder of the experience, knowing that this was recorded almost 60 years ago and we are priviliged to hear it today....

The dvd with Rostropovich and Richter playing Beethoven's cello sonatas is also splendid - Rostropovich is a marvelous musician to watch - he's in an altered state and quite uninhibited about his relationship with his instrument. Yes there are some incorrect notes played, but who cares? Rostropovich is demonically possessed at times and it's fascinating to watch his transformations and responses as he literally attacks his cello, especially in the rondo of opus 5 no. 2. Richter is a large man nearly bursting out of his tails. With his enormous hands he looks more like he could be unloading freight down at the docks, yet he plays these sonatas with such refined manners and sensitivity that it's heart rending to see this big, uncomfortable man playing such magnificent music.

Deeply-probing classic interpretations (but not *quite* complete).......2005-10-25

I was recently listening to this set and the new Schiff-Perenyi recordings on ECM for the purpose of comparing them and writing a review about my impressions. "Compare and contrast the sets, class, and write a review for Monday. Minimum of five pages, single-spaced, typed. --And don't ask your parents for help, because I can always tell."

Well, I was weird as a school kid, because I always loved assignments like that and never was inclined to ask my parents or anyone else. Not that we ever got to write about Beethoven cello sonatas--usually it was on something boring like Beowulf. So I've been comparing Serkin and Casals to Schiff-Perenyi, and, in the interest of efficiency, was going to write a review dealing with both sets and paste two copies on Amazon, one under this recording and one under the Schiff-Perenyi disc, thereby scoring two reviews with one effort. Then I discovered that apparently the ECM isn't available in America--or at least not through Amazon's American website. (It is on their UK page.) So much for my attempt at efficiency. At any rate, you can consider this a review of both recordings, and maybe I'll even mosey on over to the UK side and post this review with them.

Anyway, after listening to the two sets, it's clear the Serkin-Casals stands head and shoulders above Schiff-Perenyi. What's frustrating is trying to explain why the latter, despite immacualte playing (or maybe because of it?) is devoid of meaning, while the former, despite finger-slips and lapses of intonation (as well as more cautious tempi and less free abandon) displays a deep understanding of the works' structures and nuances. Take, for just one small example, the second movement of Op.5, No. 2: in the hands of less skilled interpreters, the waltz seems to be repetitious and too long, distended from the rest of the work. I always thought it was that way, and figured Beethoven just hadn't really mastered proportion yet.

Well, perhaps he hadn't, but Casals and Serkin make us believe he has. They find infinite variety in the theme, so that it doesn't sound redundant as it keeps returning. And I don't just mean they vary the dynamics or insert a pause here or there; they find just the proper weight for the pieces as it morphs from section to section. No one else has convinced me so much in this music, not even Heidsieck-Tortelier (a set I am very enthusiastic about nonetheless).

Some other moments are just unforgettable. Listen to the opening of Op. 102, No. 1: does anyone play music this way anymore? Pay attention to the way Serkin answers Casals in the introduction's main phrase. Then listen to the low tremolos in Serkin's left hand, with Casals the background, just before the main theme begins. It's positively heartbreaking! After a plaintive introduction like that, it seems logical to me that the main theme should have to *fight* for its very existence when it appears, and this is just how Casals and Serkin take it. (Listen to the dynamic interplay!) By contrast, Schiff-Perenyi play it relatively straight-laced, without much dynamics, and don't convince me they have anything to say; their mission seems to be just to play prettily. ("For extra credit class, contrast their handling of the last murmuring bars of the introduction with Serkin-Casals. Which one makes your hair stand up on your back?") When the latter two get to the first movement's second theme, that struggle from the terse introduction is absent, and the whole dramatic "point" of the piece is lost, to my ears. These musicians are more convincing in the facile works, such as the Op. 66 Magic Flute Variations--they're pretty, sweet-sounding, and not as deep as the triple-digit opus works.

I think the best way to put it is to say that I feel that Schiff-Perenyi have thought about the notes, and play them perfectly. They can play rings around Casals and Serkin, and generally do. But Casals and Serkin spent their study time thinking about the music, what it meant, why Beethoven started this one with a brooding introduction but not that one; how the absense of such an introduction changes the qualities of the movement's secondary theme, when the works get "dark" and when they get "light," and so on. So many of today's musicians, unfortunately, see the little squiggles on paper as technical obstacles to be hurdled; Casals and Serkin saw them as clues to divine what was inside the composer's head. And if they didn't always clear the hurdle--and sometimes they don't--so what? You understood what they meant.

I guess in the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that while the Schiff-Perenyi are in immaculate sound, the Serkin-Casals recordings were made in the early 50s and are mono. This shouldn't stop anyone from buying them, but if you must have everything in your collection writ in large DDD letters, you should look elsewhere. And it will be your loss.

My only slight complaint is the titling of the Casals and Serkin set "The Complete Edition." Not quite. Missing is the little-known sonata in F Major, Op. 17, a transcription, as well as a theme and variations on Handel's Judas Maccabaus, WoO 45. These aren't major omissions that should dissuade you from buying the set, but it's not "complete," either. But even my beloved Heidsieck-Tortelier lacks the Op 17 sonata. Only the ECM has every last scraping of Beethoven's cello music.

Okay, that's my comparative essay. Hope you give me an A.

Track Listings:

1. Musical Colors
2. New Energy From the Americas
3. Paganini: 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op. 1
4. Percy Grainger: Schumann, Strauss & Tchaikovsky
5. Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3; Concerto for 2 Pianos & Percussion
6. Pipes of the Mighty Wurlitzer
7. Portrait De Hermann Abendroth, Vol. II -- Schumann: Symphony No. 1 / Brahms; Symphony No. 1 / Kalinnikov: Symphony No. 1 / Works by Johann Strauss
8. Premiere Evening with the American Promenabe Orchestra
9. Puccini: La Fanciulla del West
10. Quartetto Paolo Borciani

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Move!

Richard Yardumian: Symphony No. 2; Violin Concerto; Armenian Suite

Somebody Else

Lost Rivers [Import]

Someday [CD-single] [Import]

Straighten It Out: The Best of Latimore

Radio Disney Jams, Vol. 7 [Enhanced]

RCA Victor Basic 100, No 75: Jacques Offenbach

High & Dry

Return of Tal Farlow/1969 [Import]

Roger Miret & the Disasters

Sons [Import]

Signs Of The Times

The Only Thing Studio Series

Osirus: The Official Mixtape