Mitsuko Uchida: Perspectives

If you're not familiar with pianist Mitsuko Uchida, consider purchasing this two-disc "tasting menu," culled from her ever-growing discography. The selections mostly show Uchida at her best, from her dynamically charged, virile Mozart A Minor Sonata (K. 310) and D Minor Concerto (K. 466) to the fire and ice with which she sculpts Schoenberg's Six Little Pieces and a handful of Debussy Etudes. Beethoven's C Minor Variations and same-key Schubert Impromptu have rarely sounded so purposefully bleak, while Schubert's Third and Fourth Impromptus from D. 899 and the Moments Musicaux No. 3 are refined to a fault. The pianist commands the technique and tonal control to pull off all the fanciful articulations and sly rubatos she desires in Schumann's Carnaval, although some listeners might prefer Rubinstein's uncluttered directness. In all, Uchida's stimulating musicianship and supreme keyboard mastery deserve a place in any serious piano collection. --Jed Distler