Geoffrey Lancaster is back with another disc of Mozart Sonatas. His first for Tall Poppies (TP247) delighted the critics: “Purists have condemned these performances, but I salute a shibboleth-shattering performer and a brave recording company for sweeping away 250 years of straitlaced stylistic purity and pomposity. I will never be able to listen to these familiar pieces in quite the same way again.” Vincent Plush, The Australian, January 2018; and Andrew Ford opines: “The point is that this CD demands to be heard and will force you to think about Mozart and his music. Lancaster, I imagine, would say that this is the only reason he performs.” Inside Story, December 2017.
Including a unique Prelude for each sonata, Lancaster plays these three works with virtuosity, humour, clarity and sincerity. You might think this an odd way to describe a performance, but Lancaster embodies all these qualities and proves his outstanding musicianship along the way, and is thus out on a limb in Australian music-making. You’ve just got to have a listen!
The disc is rounded off with a deliciously colourful cover image from Melbourne artist Dean Home.
W A Mozart:
Prelude in B-flat major
Sonata in B-flat major K. 570
Prelude in E-flat major
Sonata in E-flat major K. 282
Prelude in B-flat major
Sonata in B-flat major K. 333