Some 20 years after the successful “Complete Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin” by the Podger-Cooper duo, and all the rest in between, MDG releases a new, modern version of Mozart’s most popular ones, KV 301, 304, 377 and 378. This time, no pianoforte nor period fiddle. Instead, Michael Schöch has opted for a Steinway Concert Grand Piano known as ’Manfred Bürki’, joined by Tibor Gyenge, Assistant 1st Concertmaster of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden.

MDG is known for exploring lesser-known parts of the core repertoire to enrich the world of prime classical music with the best possible sound. One might wonder if there is a specific reason to focus on one of the highlights in the classical catalogue and revisit Mozart’s Sonatas for Violin and Piano. However, there is no indication that these four will be followed by any of the other 35, nor if we are witnessing a new complete edition in the near future.

There is no shortage of these Violin Sonatas, and there are some superb ones indeed. To distinguish itself from the competition in the Hi-Res domain, something else needs to be offered. Adding the Six Variations on ‘Hélas, j’ai perdu mon amant’, too, is not unique. Gyenge & Schöch need to convince the listener with their interpretation.

What strikes immediately is the refreshing speed with which they attack the first movement of K 301 Allegro con Spirito. Compared with Podger & Co., the differences are not as evident as I expected and are more a matter of taste; for instance, a choice between period and modern. Although Gyenge is a trifle more ‘Spirito’, both are evenly pleasingly moulded interpretations. With Hilary Hahn (DGG), one enters the world of beauty and romance (Tempo di Menuetto in K 304 is breathtakingly styled), much appreciated by equal souls. Comparison by analysing timings is usually no more than a debatable benchmark, and says little about intrinsic musical values. We must, therefore, do with the subjective method of our ears and preferences.

I can be brief. Going through the tracks gave me seventy-six plus minutes of pure Mozart and sheer pleasure. Without going into the minutest detail, it is clear that Schöch and Gyenge are both highly competent musicians, inspiring each other in a compellingly positive sense. And if ‘Fachmannschaft’ is your take, and Mozart is one of your favourite composers, you won’t go wrong with this release and hope for more of the same to come.

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy, France

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