Memorable Mozart almost too intense

Mitsuko Uchida and Mark Steinberg's piano and violin performances are infused with character, but over-dramatic at points.

Composer: Mozart
Repertoire: Sonatas for piano and violin
Artists: Mitsuko Uchida (piano), Mark Steinberg (violin)
Rating:  4/5 
Genre: Chamber
Label: Philips 475 6200

The artists take their cue from Mozart himself in describing these sonatas as ‘for piano and violin’ rather than vice-versa. Uchida infuses every note with vibrant personality and Steinberg partners her to powerful effect, creating richly characterised interpretations. If anything, there are moments when the drama presses almost too far – these are intimate works – but their joint musicianship proves vivid, memorable and marvellous.