<<<  <<  -- 3 --  Howard Smith    SURPRISINGLY NOVEL

The opening Naxos track (Allegro K14) [listen -- track 1, 0:01-0:59] is characteristically carefree, even skittish -- its 2nd movement a menuetto, a form favoured by the child composer. It's only in K12 and K15, the two-movement sonatas, that Mozart drops the menuetto in favour of a Andante-Allegro pattern. Not until the menuetto primo (K10) is there a fleeting pre-echo of Mozart in his miraculous twenties. Another whisper is heard in an opening andante (K11). The architectural artistry of Allegro (K13) coming from a 21st century conservatory student would surely be greeted with tears of joy. Moreover the menuetto (also K13) is surprisingly novel in its conception [listen -- track 14, 0:01-0:33].

If your heart is set on having all six sonatas (together) and at budget price, look no further. Alternatively -- Mozart lovers who'd settle for three sonatas -- K13, 14 and 15 -- should consider the budget Regis Records versions coupled with the two flute concertos: No 1 in G, K313 and No 2 in D, K314. In this case persuasive Australian-born flutist Judith Hall and Juilliard's Susan Alexander-Max (on an Erard pianoforte, circa 1846) yield nothing to Wincenc and Raps, and Hall is backed by the Philharmonia Orchestra in radiant concerto performances.

My mind's made up but whichever way you jump you'll end up winning.

For help listening to the sound extracts here, please refer to our questions & answers page.