Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's piano sonatas and fantasias are celebrated for their elegance, structural clarity, and expressive depth. The combination of Piano Sonatas Nos. 10 in C major, KV. 330; 14 in C minor, KV. 457; 18 in D major, KV. 576, along with the Fantasia No. 4 in C minor, KV. 475, presents a fascinating exploration of Mozart's keyboard mastery.
Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, KV. 330. Composed around 1783, this sonata is characterized by its sunny and effervescent character. The opening Allegro moderato introduces a lively and joyful theme, followed by a deeply expressive Andante cantabile. The final movement, Allegretto, is a delightful rondo that showcases Mozart's melodic inventiveness and pianistic brilliance.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C minor, KV. 457. Composed in 1784, this sonata stands out for its dramatic and introspective qualities. The first movement, Molto allegro, opens with a stormy intensity, contrasting with the melancholic beauty of the Adagio. The final movement, Allegro assai, is a spirited and rhythmic conclusion to this emotionally charged work.
Piano Sonata No. 18 in D major, KV. 576. Mozart's last piano sonata, composed in 1789, reflects a more classical and restrained style. The opening Allegro is characterized by its lyricism and grace, followed by the charming Andante. The concluding Allegretto is a lively and delightful finale, showcasing Mozart's contrapuntal skill and structural clarity.
Fantasia No. 4 in C minor, KV. 475. Composed in 1785, this Fantasia is a striking and improvisatory work. Opening with a dramatic and mysterious C minor section, the piece moves through various contrasting episodes, showcasing Mozart's command of harmonic exploration. The Fantasia leads seamlessly into the famous Rondo, providing a brilliant and virtuosic conclusion.
Collectively, these works offer a diverse and captivating journey through Mozart's compositional genius, demonstrating his ability to explore a wide range of emotions and styles within the confines of the sonata and fantasia forms. The brilliance of Mozart's keyboard writing is evident in the intricate interplay of melodies, harmonies, and virtuosic passages, making this collection a testament to his enduring influence in the realm of classical piano music.
Gianluca Luisi is the winner of the International Bach piano contest. Luisi's performance revealed a technique characterised by a remarkable independence and control of the fingers. An economic use of pedalling and half-pedalling, mostly to accompany single notes, enhanced the overall effect without exaggerating the dynamics. This was warm-hearted and spirited playing, completely free from rhetoric, very appealing and which took the audience immediately to the heart of the music. (The Sunday Times, October 7, 2001)