While Mozart’s favorite string instrument was the Viola, it is clear that he created a whole lot of works for the piano. This includes concerti, solo sonatas, an chamber music.
Compositions such as piano duets are less well known, and that is why I will tell you about a new recording featuring this music.
On this new CD we hear the following selections:
Bach, J C:
Sonata in A major for two pianos
Mozart:
Sonata for Piano duet in C major, K521
Sonata for Piano duet in D major, K381
Sonata for Piano duet in B flat major, K358
Performed by Julian Perkins (fortepiano) and Emma Abbate (fortepiano)
Pianists Julian Perkins and Emma Abbate have come together to record the first of two volumes of the complete piano duets of Mozart on original fortepianos.
Some of Mozart’s lesser-known works, his piano duets span most of his active life, with the earliest written at the age of nine. Often delightful and lyrical as well as humorous and exciting, these works are given an authentic interpretation on period instruments.
Included on this first volume is a duet by Johann Christian Bach.
The two original fortepianos used in this recording form part of the Richard Burnett Collection of early keyboard instruments: a grand fortepiano by Johann Fritz (Vienna, c. 1815) and a travelling piano by Anton Walter (Vienna, c. 1805).
Here are Martha Argerich and Evgeny Kissin in Mozart’s sonata for piano 4 hands, KV 521:
