Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Andreas Staier :: Mozart: Sonates [Hybrid SACD]

Brilliant Playing of lesser known works

Paul Imseih | Sydney | 10/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These are lesser known pieces of Mozart comprising mainly of etudes and unfinished compositions that were rounded off after Mozart's death.



Although these pieces are by no means masterpieces, under the wonderful hands of Staier they are given resonance and meaning that confirm the great powers of Mozart as a composer.



Of all the pieces, it is Allemende which is the highlight here. The playing is ghostlike. On the fortepiano, the effect is quite chilling and each phrase seems haunted by spirits of the great man himself.



The key to all Staier recordings is the use of silence or brief, almost imperceptible pauses which allow the sense of a phrase sink in. He's used this to great effect in his harpsichord recordings of Bach and he re-employs the technique for this recordings of Mozart.



In Europe, Staier is considered a modern genius - listen to the Allemende and you'll understand why."

Not his best - but DO check out Staier's other recordings!!

A music lover | Fremont, CA | 06/10/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"(Note: this review is of the standard CD version of this recording). Andreas Staier is one of the most talented period keyboard players on the planet. But I was somewhat disappointed with this release. In fact, this is probably the first release in his long career that I really don't love. I'll keep my comments to the Fantasia/Sonata as it is the most "important" work on this recording and probably best sums up my overall reservations.



First, the instrument seems ever-so-slightly out of tune. It's subtle - but just enough to bother me and hamper my enjoyment. Second, the opening adagio of the Fantasia is taken at an alarmingly slow pace, almost a Largo. Combine that with the choice of a period instrument without the melodic staying power of a modern grand, and the whole thing falls apart. There is no sustaining of line, or sense of mystery. The music just plods along slowly. Things pick up a bit in the faster sections, and the sonata that follows is just fine.



Interesting that another reviewer stated that these were lesser-known works. The C Minor Fantasia and Sonata form one of the masterworks of piano literature.



Mr. Staier's next Mozart release, containing outstanding performances of 3 Mozart piano sonatas, is much better. Fabulous, even. Buy that one instead. Or any of a number of terrific Staier performances on disc. If you like them, then you might try this and see what you think.

"