The piano extraordinaire Orli Shaham has taken on an impressive project here, where she interprets the works of Mozart. On this first disc in a series of five, she offers us “K.281”, “K.333” and “K.570” in B-flat major, where each sonata unfolds with its own distinct voice amid much attention to detail.
“Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major No. 3, K.281” starts the listen with sublime piano acrobatics that often move at a furious pace, but also retreat to calmer ebbs, too, and “Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major No. 13, K.333” follows and leads as if it’s one of Mozart’s operas, where a highly melodic presence weaves in and out of gorgeous song craft that’s as stirring as it is fascinating.
“Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major No. 17, K.570” finishes the listen strong, where Shaham’s skills are nothing short of awe inspiring, often playing so meticulously, you’d think there were multiple pianos playing simultaneously.
Shaham certainly retains the artistic spirit of these classics, and injects plenty of drama, humor and adventurousness that will certainly keep us anticipating the next 15 sonatas of the this series.