Favorite Works for Piano
These are admirable accounts of Mozart's sonatas, shapely and cogently argued if a bit straight-laced. While the element of fantasy occasionally takes a back seat to formality in Brendel's approach, there is no lack of animation or affection in his playing, nor any attempt to overstate the emotions of the music. The readings are nicely recorded, with plenty of presence. Brendel's tone never has been much to write home about, but his usual pianistic craftsmanship is much in evidence.--Ted Libbey