Mozart's Complete Sonatas & Variations, performed by Christina Petrowska Quilico and violinist Jacques Israelievitch on Navona Records, honours the tenth anniversary of Israelievitch’s death. While enduring late-stage cancer, he rallied his strength to finish these recordings just months before he passed away. The progression from the early sonatas that favour the piano through the later sonatas that highlight the violin is brilliantly captured by these two extraordinary musicians. These performances are a proud entry in Israelievitch’s and Quilico’s recorded catalogs and stand as a powerful testament to the human spirit...

Over the course of 6 discs (70 tracks - 6 hr, 37 min, 30 sec) pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico and violinist Jacques Israelievitch deliver a collection of wonderfully intimate performances of Mozart's sonatas and variations.

Considering how important a work this collection is, it would have been perfect if there had been a booklet detailing the historical context of each piece, for what purpose they were originally written and how well received they were. I would have loved to charted the progression, over the years, of the style and fluidity of Mozart's work.

Whilst I have always enjoyed Mozart's music, I've never thought that his sonatas really command the listener's attention. On the whole, they are rambling, meandering pieces that play happily in the background. I have always loved 'Andante con moto' from Sonata No. 28. Whilst it showcases quite a few of the composers trademark flourishes and stylistic approaches, it has a rather beautiful segment where the violin appears to be off-key momentarily with the piano. This always jars me awake whenever I hear it.

Classical music aficionados will welcome the chance to add this to their collection. Beautifully performed, this release showcases an important part of Mozart's repertoire.

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Darren Rea