Piano Recital: Mitsuko Uchida

Mitsuko Uchida has for years been an unrivalled master of the piano. The pianist possesses a warmth and intensity in her playing, and when it comes to interpretation, she represents the uncompromising search for beauty and truth in phrases, progressions and melodies in a way few others do. Vienna – Uchida’s domicile of choice for many years – has left its mark on her performance style and personality, characterised by her partiality for Mozart and Schubert. Thus, Uchida opens her solo programme with the 32-year-old Mozart’s »Little Sonata for Beginners«. After that, it is time to get down to business: Schumann’s »Kreisleriana« and his Fantasie Op. 17 are full of literary allusions, as well as hidden references to his great love Clara, who was still beyond his reach at the time of composition.

Embedded into Schumann’s romantic world is the premiere of a solo piece by Jörg Widmann, commissioned by Mitsuko Uchida herself. The work’s expansive sound spaces are reminiscent of the world of the nineteenth century – perhaps influenced by both performers’ particular fondness for Schumann. When posed the well-worn question about his desert island discs, Widmann answered: »In addition to Mozart, Schumann would have to be there, ideally Schumann’s complete works«. Mitsuko Uchida’s interpretations please...