The only thing wrong with this set of Mozart's Piano Sonatas is the only thing that's wrong with Mozart's Piano Sonatas, to wit, once they're done, there are no more. But while 18 sonatas on five discs is hardly enough considering how sublime the music is, at least there are 18 sonatas on five discs' worth of superbly performed music. Klara Wurtz is a young Hungarian pianist with a light but strong touch, a supple but sensitive technique, and a rare ability to balance the graceful and the soulful in Mozart's music. Each performance has its wonders and delights, and if Wurtz's performances infrequently top those by Lipatti or Schnabel, they are always as fine as the best contemporary performances by Brendel or Schiff and Brilliant's digital recording is as clean and warm as the best contemporary recordings by Philips or Decca. Anyone looking for a single set of Mozart's Piano Sonatas need look no further.

Rovi