Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mitsuko Uchida :: Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin in F Major, K. 377; C Major, K. 303; E Minor, K. 304; A Major, K. 526

Brilliant

JMB1014 | USA | 07/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have also reviewed this exceptional recording as a hybrid CD. As might be expected, the sound is amazing. Next to this, listening to even the fine Perlman set on DGG is like watching an old black and white movie from the 1940's next to a modern, color film. The differences don't stop with sound quality, however. Mozart is rendered with passion, nuance and finesse in these delicious performances. Steinberg has also played with the Brentano string quartet, an energetic and rising ensemble. He throws himself into these sonatas with energy and imagination. He also prepared the notes, which, while a tad over-written, are far from the arid stuff one too often encounters. They also are imaginative and reward the time spent contemplating his ideas. There is plenty of food for thought here. Mitsuko Uchida, who has made a reputation with recordings of Debussy and Schubert piano music, not to mention the complete Mozart piano concerti and sonatas, is breaking new ground as an accompanist. She recently enjoyed tremendous success in a recording with Ian Bostridge of Schubert's "Die Schone Mullerin." Here, her talent brings real luster to the playing. I think she has improved noticeably since she made the earlier Mozart recordings. Plainly, she is one of the finest pianists alive. There are of course many fine performances of the Mozart piano and violin sonatas, but this one is special. I cannot recommend it highly enough."

One half of a great duo is missing

John Grabowski | USA | 03/30/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Truth in advertising: the cover photo says it all--Uchida is in the foreground, and she dominates. Her partner, Mark Steinberg, is far in the distance, and appears to be waiting on her. She definately wears the pants in this production, and they're black leather. That could in itself be quite pleasant actually, but if it's domination I want I'll go to Mistress Helga. (Oops, I can't. I see she's booked through the month...)



I think it's just ego. But so often when a "name" performer plays chamber music, especially in a duo setting, the partner is weaker and in the background, allowing the star performer to soak up most of the light. The domineering Anne Sophie Mutter saddles up with the bland Lambert Orkis. Heifetz chose Emanuel Bay as his sparring partner in his later years. Itzakh Perlman sawed away while Samuel Saunders quietly filled in the background. Yo-Yo Ma likes to team with Emmanuel Ax. Occasionally we get an electrifying Argerich/Kremer combo, but it seems like the Richters/Oistraks and Rubinstein/Szeryng/Fourniers are a rare thing. --Or, heavens, Bartok/Szigeti!!



And that brings us to Uchida/Steinberg. Uchida does a lovely job with these works. Steinberg is forgettable. He's competent, plays well, isn't *bad* by any means, but he's bland and anonymous, his own mother wouldn't know him in a blindfold test, and I can't help but feel he had zero input into the performances. On the cover as in the music, he's in the background. And that's a pity, because with a more challenging partner, Uchida might have been pushed more, and these could have been fascinating performances instead of just good performances. As it is, they are pleasing, but while every hair is in place, they leave you with no impression when they're over. --At least, the violin part doesn't.



The sound is quite good, although it slightly favors (surprise!) the piano. I'd like to hear a recording from two soloists with a little more collaborative spirit, however. This is *chamber* music. That's what's missing here, that intimate give-and-take."

Very beautifull

Zbigniew Skorko | 04/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can not get over how wanderfull this recording is.It is as it was not "clasical" music which is recorded here.It is a musical

experiance.Experiance in sound.Sound is shaped beyond anything I've ever heard.This music has a touch of Indian citar

sound but it is definitely Mozart!"