Mitsuko Uchida: Perspectives

Mitsuko Uchida: Perspectives

If you're not familiar with pianist Mitsuko Uchida, consider purchasing this two-disc "tasting menu," culled from her ever-growing discography. The selections mostly show Uchida at her best, from her dynamically charged, virile Mozart A Minor Sonata (K. 310) and D Minor Concerto (K. 466) to the fire and ice with which she sculpts Schoenberg's <i>Six Little Pieces</i> and a handful of Debussy Etudes. Beethoven's C Minor Variations and same-key Schubert Impromptu have rarely sounded so purposefully bleak, while Schubert's Third and Fourth Impromptus from D. 899 and the Moments Musicaux No. 3 are refined to a fault. The pianist commands the technique and tonal control to pull off all the fanciful articulations and sly rubatos she desires in Schumann's <i>Carnaval</i>, although some listeners might prefer Rubinstein's uncluttered directness. In all, Uchida's stimulating musicianship and supreme keyboard mastery deserve a place in any serious piano collection. <I>--Jed Distler</I>