This seasoned duo's two-disc-for-one Mozart package takes in six
works spanning more than 20 years from the two juvenile essays (K27,
K31) of 1766 to his final sonata, K547 ('For Beginners'), of 1788. It is
true to its 'for keyboard and violin' billing, because pianist Cédric
Tiberghien's contribution sounds consistently more prominent than that
of his partner. Such a recorded imbalance may be intentional, given the
overall lesser significance of the violin part in most of these works;
but it is a miscalculation in the more equitably matched K454, where
Ibragimova seemingly underplays the grandeur of its introductory Largo
and is too distant in its playful Allegro and jovial rondo. Even in the
expressive, more violin-centric Andante, one begs a more balanced
listening experience.
Nevertheless, these two outstanding
Mozartians give characteristically intelligent, individual and
invigorating accounts on modern instruments. They demonstrate unanimity
of intent, refined musicianship, alert, vital phrasing and excellent
timing; sample the buoyant rhythms and crisply articulated passagework
of the outer movements of K296 and the honeyed cantilena of its Andante
sostenuto. They bring out the full quirkiness of the two early sonatas,
Ibragimova introducing some playful interpolations into the Allegro of
K31. Both players skilfully characterise its Tempo di menuetto
variations.
Their reading of K547 is persuasive, Ibragimova
adding subtleties of nuance and rubato and occasionally taking some of
the limelight. Her silky-toned, lyrical playing in the expressive
central movement of K306 is an aural delight, and both protagonists
revel in the humour, drama and sheer invention of the ensuing operatic
finale. (Robin Stowell / The Strad)
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