Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4

Featuring

Orli Shaham
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Mozart, an early adopter of technology, experimented with innovations like a knee-operated lever to dampen piano tones and explored the full range of sounds and emotions possible on a standard keyboard.

Performer Biography

Orli Shaham is completing a recording cycle of Mozart's Complete Piano Sonatas, with this album being Volume 4, and Volumes 5 and 6 scheduled for release in 2024.

Performer Biography

Orli Shaham, a pianist recognized for her grace and vitality, has performed with nearly every major American orchestra and many in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Compositional Technique

Mozart's 'calling card' sonatas were inventive and unconventional, exploring the keyboard's literal range and the metaphorical range of emotions, sometimes using pauses to draw people in or themes that weren't traditional melodies.

Performer Biography

Orli Shaham co-hosts and is Creative for NPR's weekly program 'From the Top' and created 'Orli Shaham's Bach Yard,' a series of classical concerts for young children.

Composition History

Mozart composed the three sonatas on this album (K. 280, K. 279, and K. 284) as 'calling cards' during a journey to Munich in 1774-1775 to impress potential patrons.