Gottlieb Wallisch - Mozart in Vienna - SA-CD.net

An auspicious début by a very fine young Austrian pianist.

This recital comprises the last two completed piano sonatas of Mozart together with three of his finest individual works for the instrument, including the great A minor rondo. Playing on a very fine Steinway piano, Wallisch makes his tone light and clear to prevent textures muddying. The crisp, clear finger technique on display makes light of the difficulties (quite many in the case of the variations) and allows all the motifs to take shape in the listener's ear. Throughout the recital, Wallisch's playing is glorious and recalls the crystalline genius of Gilels and Curzon - hallowed company indeed! Lively in the allegro's, song-like in the slow movements - this is really high class playing although purists should note there are one or two instances where Wallisch inserts unmarked accelerando's but it is done very much in keeping with the spirit of the whole enterprise.

The sound is one of the best representations of the piano on disc. The sound of the Steinway in St Georges Brandon Hill (Bristol, UK) is captured with unerring accuracy (I've heard and played there often enough to know). The acoustic in particular is particularly well recreated and demonstrates just why this hall is so popular with players and audiences alike.

Strongly recommended.