Release Date: 16 September 2022
Label: ECM Records
Packaging Type: Box Set
No of Units: 7
Barcode: 028948557769
Genres: Classical Solo Instrumental
Description
The first complete recording of W.A. Mozart's piano sonatas on the composer's own fortepiano (Anton Walter, 1782).
This comprehensive, 7-CD boxed set also comprises unfinished fragments by the Austrian composer, here completed by American pianist and Mozart-scholar Robert Levin in consideration of Mozart's idioms and the compositional mannerisms of his era. Robert Levin's interpretations of the piano sonatas, too, are informed by the performance practice customs of the First Viennese School, including improvised elements and decorations in the repeats.
The recordings are accompanied by a 100-page booklet featuring an extensive essay on the sonatas by Mozarteum-director and Mozart-expert Ulrich Leisinger as well as a performer's note by Levin, manuscript-scores and more.
Robert Levin: piano
Critical Acclaim:
BBC Music Magazine Awards 2023; Instrumental Nominee
"Robert Levin proves fearless and insightful in this complete survey of Mozart's piano sonatas, performed on the composer's own fortepiano. 'The whole project is a stunner,' said our review. 'Without neglecting faithfulness to the letter, Levin prioritises faithfulness to the spirit. This treasurable set may cast crucial light not only on these sonatas, but also on how we consider the very nature of historical performance." – BBC Music Magazine
"Already virtuosic music blossoms out with dazzling splashes of fresh fingerpaint. […] The whole project, then, is a stunner. Without neglecting faithfulness to the letter, Levin prioritizes faithfulness to the spirit. This treasurable set may cast crucial light not only on these sonatas but also on how we consider the very nature of historical performance." - BBC Music Magazine Recording of the Month, November 2022 (Performance: 5 STARS, Recording: 5 STARS)
"These are robust, hyper-animated, quicksilver performances, full of stark contrasts and sudden changes of mood and temperament. […] Levin's rich ornamentation has attracted considerable attention. I find it entirely convincing, giving these performances and oratorical, in-the-moment electricity. This release also includes Levin's own completions of three unfinished sonata movements. He has said his goal was to leave no clue as to where his pen took up and Mozart's left off, and he has succeeded. The results are seamless, and satisfying." - Gramophone
"What is unique about this recording, however, is Levin's richness of interpretation. He has no ready-made way to charm Mozart's sonatas. The seven discs on this album are a constant search for the right pace, sound, colour and dynamics. Levin does not rest on his laurels and with each sonata continues his journey through this brilliant music. This is not simply an attempt to recreate the historical sound of these sonatas, but a performance that thrills with its freshness and expressive richness." – prestoportal.pl
Tracklisting
Various artists
Yuval Cohen Quartet
Thomas Stronen; Craig Taborn; Chris Potter; Sinikka Langeland; Jorge Rossy
Stephan Micus
Rainer Bruninghaus
Paul Bley
Mathias Eick; Kristjan Randalu; Ole Morten Vagan; Hans Hulbaekmo
Julia Hulsmann Quartet
Steven Isserlis, Robert Levin
Robert Levin
