Altered Images - Mascara Streakz - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Album Tracks 1. Russian Round Dance (A Tale), for 2 Pianos, Op. 58/1 2. Knight Errant, for 2 Pianos Op. 58/2 3. Sonatina for Piano in G minor Allegretto Ma Non Troppo 4. Sonatina for Piano in G minor Scherzo 5. Morceaux (4) for Piano, Op. 4 No. 3, Gnomenklage 6. Morceaux (4) for Piano, Op. 4 No. 4, Prelude in E Flat Major 7. Fairy Tale Sonata (Sonata-Skazka) for Piano in C minor, Op. 25/1 Allegro Abbandonamerte 8. Fairy Tale Sonata (Sonata-Skazka) for Piano in C minor, Op. 25/1 Andantino Con Moto 9. Fairy Tale Sonata (Sonata-Skazka) for Piano in C minor, Op. 25/1 Allegro Con Spirito 10. Piano Quintet in C Major, Op. Posth. Molto Placido 11. Piano Quintet in C Major, Op. Posth. Andantino Con Moto 12. Piano Quintet in C Major, Op. Posth. Finale (Hosianna)

Don't be put off by those who opine that these piano sonatas are less interesting than some other Mozart compositions; they are wonderful compositions in their own right and were frequently performed by Mozart himself! I'm delighted to be playing this selection of Mozart's piano sonatas from what was the golden period of the fortepiano. In a letter to his father dated 1777, Mozart declared his enthusiasm for a new Stein piano that he had tried out, a development of the instrument he was used to. About 1782 Mozart bought a piano by Gabriel Anton Walter on which the majority of these keyboard works were probably composed and performed. However, the modern concert grand piano speaks and sings and dances - it's arts of voicing, pedalling, accentuation and touch all combine to add an extra dimension to the performance, which I believe Mozart would have loved! Mozart had a mischievous sense of humour, but he also had contact with something sublime, outside this world, and both sides of his character are combined to give the sonatas their special appeal. I agree with others who have said that Mozart really catches fire in the K.300s and produced his most troubled, alarming and even dangerous music during black moods, as illustrated by the forceful, angst-ridden A minor Sonata, K.310. In stark contrast, he brings grace and poise to the contemplative slow movements and sprightly mischief to the brilliant passages in all the sonatas on this recording. I've always thought that the glory of Mozart's music comes from being performed and enjoyed, being felt, not studied. I do hope you will enjoy listening to these sonatas with me! [Virginia Black]

2021's Fatal Mistakes made No 5 in the UK national album chart which is the 6th top 10 for Del Amitri and the highest charting album since Twisted in 1995.The album also made No 2 on the Independent album chart and No 5 on the vinyl album chart. Album Tracks 1. Lips of London 2. Gone in a Second 3. Shame 4. Your Love (Is Killing Me) 5. This City Loves You Back 1. Some Mothers Do Have Them 2. Happiness Is It 3. O My Lazy Baby 4. My Adulthood 5. At the End of the Lightning