Mozart favored the new pianos of Andreas Stein, which he encountered in 1777, for their technical improvements like even tone and improved damper mechanism.
Historical Context
In Mozart's time, sonatas were used to gain favor with wealthy patrons or attract piano students, but rarely featured in public concerts.
Composition History
Mozart's autograph copy of the C-minor Fantasy and Sonata, K.475/457, missing for nearly a century, was discovered in 1990 in a Baptist Seminary safe.
Composition History
Mozart's D-major sonata, K.284/205b, known as the Dürnitz, was written for Baron Thaddäus von Dürnitz, an amateur bassoonist.
Performer Biography
Penelope Crawford, the fortepianist on this album, is recognized as one of America's pioneering performers on historical keyboard instruments.
Interpretation
The fortepiano's wide spectrum of tone colors and immediate response allow for delicate shadings and sudden dynamic changes required in Mozart's music, which are often lost on modern pianos.
Instruments
The fortepiano used in this recording is a 1986 copy by John Lyon of Mozart's own piano, built by the Viennese maker Anton Walter.
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