Mozart piano sonatas

[Que]

(The discussion of Mozart's sonatas on this thread really is an example of how each listener hears different things.)

Absolutely. I recently revisited the entire Bart van Oort set and enjoyed it immensely...

Like you, I never got the attraction of Uchida's artificial Mozart. But I do enjoy Pires' Denon recordings.

[Atriod]

Uchida's solo Mozart is completely lost on me, people are obviously hearing things which are just going over my head. I never come across anything which feels interestingly or beautifully shaped, or expressively powerful and intense. I'm totally open to the idea that she has other virtues which I'm not taking into account, - but if so, what are they? And I'm totally open to the idea that I've been deaf while listening - but if so, where are the bits I need to try to hear again with more open ears?

There might still be some masterclasses she did of Mozart on Youtube. I liked what she was saying and demonstrating in short sections. It's been forever since I've heard the recordings so no comment on them.

[Florestan]

I do enjoy Pires' Denon recordings.

So do I.

[Spotted Horses]

Absolutely. I recently revisited the entire Bart van Oort set and enjoyed it immensely...

That is a big set and a large undertaking. I listened to some selections and enjoyed them greatly. Thanks for bringing them to my attention (months ago, I don't recall exactly when).

[milk]

Uchida's solo Mozart is completely lost on me, people are obviously hearing things which are just going over my head. I never come across anything which feels interestingly or beautifully shaped, or expressively powerful and intense. I'm totally open to the idea that she has other virtues which I'm not taking into account, - but if so, what are they? And I'm totally open to the idea that I've been deaf while listening - but if so, where are the bits I need to try to hear again with more open ears?

There's an old video on YouTube of her conducting Mozart from the piano. She makes really funny faces and my kids love it. They're 3 and 5 years old. It puts them into hysterics.

[Todd]

Along with YES's cycle from earlier this year, this set cinches it: the center of gravity in Mozart piano sonata playing has shifted to the Asia-Pacific.  With William Youn out there as well, sort of hovering above the others, the Austrian wunderkind is now best heard played by people on the other side of the Eurasian landmass from the composer's home.  Apparently, Michael Endres, the greatest living European interpreter, agrees with this assessment as he now lives in New Zealand. 

Mr Fujita's set nearly or actually astonishes from first note to last.  Even more flexible than Youn, gentler than YES, and more playful than Endres, Fujita specializes in bringing a smile to the listener's face, inviting said listener to head-bob to the playing.  Embellishments are plenty and perfect.  Rubato is flawless.  Dynamic variations are precisely calibrated.  This is not big, hard-hitting Mozart.  It borders on the precious, remains small-scaled, almost salon-ish in style, but the realization forces the listener to ignore any complaints that may be leveled at that style.  I just sat and listened, eagerly hearing what Fujita might do next. 

I have no idea what Mr Fujita's performing or recording plans may be, but surely he should record some Schumann, some Ravel, some Scarlatti.  And that's to start. 

Just great stuff.

[Mandryka]

Live in Tokyo in 1992


This is better in every way - performance and sound - than the studio recordings. Somehow in the live, her tone and touch really do complement her refined and polished conception of the music, the studio recordings of the same sonatas sound almost coarse by comparison. Well worth hearing if you like the music on modern instruments - even if you felt the studio recordings were unsatisfactory. Suddenly she's revealed to be as wonderful in Mozart sonatas as she is in Beethoven's Diabelli Variations.

The sound quality is the best of Philips - they gave her their top engineers. It's as good as Arrau's last recordings, for example, or the Richter London Mozart sonata concert.

[SonicMan46]

Along with YES's cycle from earlier this year, this set cinches it: the center of gravity in Mozart piano sonata playing has shifted to the Asia-Pacific.  With William Youn out there as well, sort of hovering above the others, the Austrian wunderkind is now best heard played by people on the other side of the Eurasian landmass from the composer's home.  Apparently, Michael Endres, the greatest living European interpreter, agrees with this assessment as he now lives in New Zealand.................. 

Just great stuff.

Todd - thanks for the comments - I have 4 sets of Wolfie's KB Sonatas, 2 on fortepiano + 2 on a modern piano, Endres & Youn - from your comments, would you now put Fugita at the top?  Dave

[Leo K.]

Live in Tokyo in 1992


This is better in every way - performance and sound - than the studio recordings. Somehow in the live, her tone and touch really do complement her refined and polished conception of the music, the studio recordings of the same sonatas sound almost coarse by comparison. Well worth hearing if you like the music on modern instruments - even if you felt the studio recordings were unsatisfactory. Suddenly she's revealed to be as wonderful in Mozart sonatas as she is in Beethoven's Diabelli Variations.

The sound quality is the best of Philips - they gave her their top engineers. It's as good as Arrau's last recordings, for example, or the Richter London Mozart sonata concert.

An amazing set. Some of best Mozart piano I heard ever.

[Todd]

Todd - thanks for the comments - I have 4 sets of Wolfie's KB Sonatas, 2 on fortepiano + 2 on a modern piano, Endres & Youn - from your comments, would you now put Fugita at the top?  Dave

I would not say his is the best, but it's one of the two or three best. 

[Mandryka]

I have no idea what Mr Fujita's performing or recording plans may be, but surely he should record some Schumann, some Ravel, some Scarlatti.  And that's to start. 

Just great stuff.

I can let you have the sound (or indeed the video) by PM if you want.

https://www.medici.tv/en/concerts/verbier-festival-2024-mao-fujita-solo-recital

[AnotherSpin]

Live in Tokyo in 1992


This is better in every way - performance and sound - than the studio recordings. Somehow in the live, her tone and touch really do complement her refined and polished conception of the music, the studio recordings of the same sonatas sound almost coarse by comparison. Well worth hearing if you like the music on modern instruments - even if you felt the studio recordings were unsatisfactory. Suddenly she's revealed to be as wonderful in Mozart sonatas as she is in Beethoven's Diabelli Variations.

The sound quality is the best of Philips - they gave her their top engineers. It's as good as Arrau's last recordings, for example, or the Richter London Mozart sonata concert.

Amazing set. Complete, ultimate peace, perfect balance. Nothing sticking or protruding out. The struggle is over, there's no need to prove anything to anyone. It feels like Uchida has permeated beyond the music, to the realm where the music comes from.