Pristinely recorded in 1990 and originally released in Germany, this 2004 reissue on EMI Classics presents four of Mozart's violin sonatas in tasteful performances by violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann and pianist Alexander Longquich. These fine performers have had only modest exposure in the United States, but EMI should remedy that with more encores like this one. Zimmermann's playing is clean and meticulous but also warm and expressive, and his approach to Mozart seems balanced between reason and emotion. Longquich ...
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Pristinely recorded in 1990 and originally released in Germany, this 2004 reissue on EMI Classics presents four of Mozart's violin sonatas in tasteful performances by violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann and pianist Alexander Longquich. These fine performers have had only modest exposure in the United States, but EMI should remedy that with more encores like this one. Zimmermann's playing is clean and meticulous but also warm and expressive, and his approach to Mozart seems balanced between reason and emotion. Longquich provides a gratifying piano part, and his playing is crisp and precise, with a sure touch and minimal pedaling. Mozart's early violin sonatas were published for piano with violin accompaniment, and that designation applies to a lesser extent to K. 301, K. 303, and K. 304. The piano and violin still seem to be unequal partners, but Longquich's restraint gives Zimmermann ample space to be heard clearly, and something close to equality is achieved. The treatment of both parts is even-handed in...
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