Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart :: The Gulda Mozart Tapes II: 6 Sonatas

Stunningly great performances

Wild Bill Jones | Interstate 10 | 01/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must take strong issue with the one-star rating the previous reviewer gave this set on the basis of its sound. It is true that there is some distortion on the recording of the K.310 sonata, but it is negligible, in my opinion, in comparison to the power and insight and vigor of the performance itself. For 95% of listeners the sound problems here, such as they are, will not matter.



The sound on the other tracks varies somewhat, but in no case does it compromise the listenability of the music -- again, in my opinion. And my God, the music.... The D Major K.284 performance is alone worth the price of the set (although Gulda takes the andante middle movement a bit on the fast side) -- it is a tour de force, exciting and subtle at the same time.



Unless you are looking for audiophile-quality recordings only, don't let the sound issue scare you away from this great set. If you liked the first volume of Gulda "Mozart Tapes," don't wait -- pick this one up, too."

Mesmerising

R. A. Weyburne | 04/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not claim to be a classical music expert but this album grabbed my attention in a way very few classical recordings do. I heard it playing at a record store and was stunned by the power and the passion of the recording and bought it on the spot and listen to it regularly. I had considered Mozart to be verging on the sweet but these recordings have punch."

Great historical recording.

Abel | Hong Kong | 01/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, if anyone wants to take exception on the sound quality of this issue, treat it as a historical recording.

There are many historical recordings around of great pianists of the past - Clara Haskil, Horowitz, Kempff...Why should one rate this album with one star?

The performances are simply great. Frederic Gulda's Mozart sonatas are exceptional and very individual. Even with its slight recording flaws, the K310 is a real tour de force. I must admit that even Kempff's on DG pales in comparison to Gulda's reading in this recording.The ever popular K331 is a real joy. Gulda has the knack of imbuing Mozart with zestful musicality, and this trandescendant feature makes him one of the greatest Mozartians of all times.

Listeners should indeed be thankful for this rediscovery rather than grumble on its not being a state of the art recording."