Patrick Higgins – Tocsin (2020)

Mozart’s six earliest keyboard sonatas were written down by him in early 1775. After a first volume (also on Glossa) containing the first four of them, this album contains nos. 5 and 6 (KV 283 and KV 284), plus his next sonata (no. 7, KV 309) composed probably in 1777. Again recorded on an original Walter fortepiano built in Mozart’s lifetime, the kind of instrument he was very familiar with, this performance by Patrick Cohen brings together all his expertise with period pianos and the aesthetic context of the music.

Frederic Chopin published 45 mazurkas for piano during his lifetime, while 13 more were published posthumously. This genre was principally based on the traditional Polish fok dance, although Chopin imbued it with a very personal approach. In the summer of 1997, Patrick Cohen sat down at an original erard piano from 1855 and recorded them all. His deep knowledge of the music and of this very particular instrument, together with his unique performing style, make this collection of Chopin Mazurkas a set to return to once and again.