Konstantin Lifschitz, one of the pianists on this album, won the Echo Classic Award in 1995 and a Grammy Award in 1996 for his recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Notable Performances
Mozart premiered his B flat Major sonata K454 with violinist Regina Strinasacchi in 1784, improvising his own part for Emperor Joseph II.
Composer Biography
Mozart's father, Leopold, published four of his son's early works (Opus I to IV) in Paris, London, and The Hague between 1763 and 1766, dedicated to high-ranking patrons.
Composition History
Mozart began composing his 'fully-fledged' violin sonatas in Mannheim in 1777, inspired by the works of Joseph Schuster.
Performer Biography
Dmitry Sitkovetsky, the violinist on this album, is known for his successful transcription of Bach's Goldberg Variations for string trio and has premiered violin concertos written for him by contemporary composers.
Compositional Technique
In his violin sonatas, Mozart freed the violin from its dependence on the keyboard, creating a more collaborative interplay between the two instruments.
Critical Reception
Mozart's Opus 2 violin sonatas were praised by the musical press for requiring both a proficient violinist and pianist, noting the constant attention demanded from both instrumentalists.
