Pianist Bobby Mitchell first came to my attention via his YouTube channel, which offers invigorating performances of Rzewski’s “The People United Will Never Be Defeated” and the Beethoven/Liszt Ninth Symphony among much else. Mitchell’s first commercial solo CD showcases his equally deep immersion in the period-instrument world with an all-Haydn recital. He uses a Viennese instrument from 1775 that stands out for its diverse timbres in the higher registers and a hauntingly muted sonority in soft passages.
Mitchell’s shaping of the F major Sonata No. 38 always makes one aware of the composer’s tidy voice leading and subtle harmonic sleights-of-hand, even though the pianist’s tendency to sectionalize structures with tempo modifications and his fondness for tapering phrase endings verges on mannerism. And sometimes his rhythm goes all over the place; without looking at the score, try to count time as Mitchell tinkers around with the E-flat Sonata No. 43’s opening bars. Not easy! Although Mitchell’s little agogic adjustments in the Presto finale help propel this rapid music over the bar lines, his poor articulation fails to clarify the implicit duet texture between the hands.
Mitchell’s brisk treatment of the C major Sonata No. 48 Andante con espressione features marked dynamic contrasts and a rather petulant attitude toward passages that most pianists gently sing out. Will such a refreshingly unorthodox interpretation weather well over repeated hearings? Despite crisp and assured fingerwork in the Rondo finale, the archness of Mitchell’s dynamic dips in the Rondo again pulls focus from the music’s witty momentum. However, the F minor Variations easily absorb Mitchell’s gift for stylish, tasteful, and imaginative embellishments. At the end of each composition, Mitchell modulates into the next selection with a short and brilliant bridge-like improvisation. In short, Bobby Mitchell’s Haydn may lack Ronald Brautigam’s centered poise and maturity, yet his stimulating temperament, fresh ideas, and genuine musicality cannot be denied.