Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ingrid Haebler :: Mozart: Great Violin Sonatas, Vol. 1

Gems hidden in the shadows of Mozart's larger works

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 03/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

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



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



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



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

The Mozart Sonatas for Piano and Violin

Robin Friedman | Washington, D.C. United States | 01/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Robin Friedman"

Delightful! A must-have for any Mozart collection.

William Carey | Tucker, GA United States | 09/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

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



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

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