Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Andreas Staier :: Mozart: Sonate / Fantasia / Variazioni / Suite - Andreas Staier, pianoforte

Mixed bag - a warmup to his next Mozart disc

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

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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.



Mr. Staier's next Mozart release, containing 3 outstanding performances of 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."