At the age of 22, Mozart was bemoaning lost love and decided to 'apply myself conscientiously to the clavier duets', He finished the full set of six Sonatas for Piano - with Violin - in the summer of 1778 and dedicated to the Countess Elizabeth Auguste, Electress of Palatine and Bavaria. They have become known as the 'Palatine Sonatas' and are the earliest (relatively) mature works in this instrumental combination, his first essays in the form being at the age of ten. As piano sonatas with violin (as opposed to the Violin Sonatas of later musical eras) these pieces have exquisite balance and are in fact wonderful in every sense; a pure joy. They are dazzlingly colorful, full of drama and emotion. The artists were particularly keen to present these works in an authentic ambience, as in an 18th century salon, and the result is a beautiful balance and intimacy. Peter Sheppard SkÃ¦rved is a world renowned violinist, author, musicologist, artist and researcher. Over 400 works have been written for him, he has created major exhibits and events at major museums around the world and his recorded legacy is already immense with over 27 albums to date for Divine Art group and numerous for Toccata, Naxos, NMC and more. Daniel-Ben Pienaar also has a fine international reputation. He is primarily interested in early music, Bach, Viennese school and early Romantics. He also has an extensive discography, for Victor Japan, Avie and Linn. This is his first recording for Divine Art. Daniel-Ben is a faculty member at the Royal Academy of Music and runs a wide range of specialist classes. 'One of the most exciting pianists of his generation' - Rondo Magazin (Germany)

Tracklist:

Violin Sonata No. 18 In G Major, K. 301: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Violin Sonata No. 18 In G Major, K. 301: II. Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 19 In E-Flat Major, K. 302: I. Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 19 In E-Flat Major, K. 302: II. Rondeau. Andante Grazioso
Violin Sonata No. 20 In C Major, K. 303: I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
Violin Sonata No. 20 In C Major, K. 303: II. Tempo Di Minuetto
Violin Sonata No. 21 In E Minor, K. 304: I. Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 21 In E Minor, K. 304: II. Tempo Di Minuetto
Violin Sonata No. 22 In A Major, K. 305: I. Allegro Di Molto
Violin Sonata No. 22 In A Major, K. 305: II. Tema E Variazioni
Violin Sonata No. 23 In D Major, K. 306: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Violin Sonata No. 23 In D Major, K. 306: II. Andantino Cantabile
Violin Sonata No. 23 In D Major, K. 306: III. Allegretto - Allegro

UPC: 809730321221
Label: Athene
Release Date: 4.8.22
Format: CD

Mozart / Pienaar / Skaerved - Palatine Sonatas 301-30 (CD)