The B-flat and C Major Sonatas (K. 570 and 330 respectively) are, I believe, new to Alfred Brendel’s Mozart discography. The B-flat was recorded live at the Concertgebouw, and features an intense, propulsive first movement, plus a lean, concentrated Adagio that achieves a rare fusion of tension and repose. Brendel’s sourball staccato articulation in the Allegretto, on the other hand, undermines the music’s cheery countenance, and the delicious chromaticisms die on the vine. Similarly, K. 330’s Allegro Moderato speaks in fussy phrases riddled with cloying diminuendos, mincing accents, and pedaled as opposed to fingered legato. Brendel reads between the finale’s sparkling lines before he delivers them, robbing the music of its wit and sparkle. While Brendel grimaces and hums along, he rarely sings. Fortunately, the disc’s opening selections are better. The live A minor Rondo surpasses Brendel’s two previous recordings (on Vanguard and Philips) for stylish perception and dramatic involvement. Brendel replicates his elegant, musicianly K. 331 A Major Sonata from 1976 to more three-dimensional effect in this live remake. The hedonistic “Turkish” rolled chords in the famous Rondo and busy fingerwork in the opening variations come off with earthier bite too. The CD cover photo depicts the pianist facing you with hands in the air, looking as if he is either going to lecture or strangle you.
