Mozart
Having already tackled Liszt, Chopin and Godowsky, Ian Holtham turns to Mozart in this solo piano recital for Move, continuing his survey of the virtuoso keyboard repertoire.
The programme opens with the cheeky variations on the French nursery tune "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman" (K. 265) – better known as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star – and continues with the companion set on "La belle Françoise" (K. 353).
Also included are the light-spirited Rondo in D major, K. 485, and the yearning Rondo in A minor, K. 511, together with the demanding Sonata in D major, K. 311, and Sonata in A minor, K. 310.
Four of these works – the two variation sets and the two sonatas – date from 1777–1778, Mozart's early mature years. The disc was recorded on a Steinway D at Melba Hall, University of Melbourne, in January and April 2001.
Reviews
Holtham's crispness of detail and clarity of texture are unfailingly enjoyable ... the listening experience is enriched by a sense of bar-by-bar discovery towards a clearly perceived destination. ★★★★
Ian Holtham's Mozart will leave listeners breathless and in awe of his majestic talent.
one of Australia's most exciting pianists.
The program has been well chosen ... it's lovely and allows Holtham to demonstrate his outstanding technical skills ... The recording is up to Move's usual high standard
formidable technique ... This Mozart recital exhibits a fine control with impressive tonal shading ... altogether a thoroughly satisfying collection.
Artists

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. He wrote over 600 works, many of them pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic and choral music, and remains among the most enduringly popular of classical composers.

Ian Holtham
Professor Ian Holtham is one of Australia’s most distinguished and highly regarded pianists and pedagogues. His performances of the great Classical and Romantic repertoire have drawn packed houses and strong critical acclaim for many years.
Audio preview
Tracks
- Variations on "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman", K. 265 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 11:45
- Variations on "La belle Françoise", K. 353 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 13:29
- Rondo in D major, K. 485 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 5:54
- Rondo in A minor, K. 511 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 9:55
- Allegro con spirito 4:14
- Andante con espressione 5:30
- Rondo Allegro 6:31
- Allegro maestoso 5:32
- Andante cantabile con espressione 7:02
- Presto 2:51
Sonata in D major, K. 311 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sonata in A minor, K. 310 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performers
Contributors
Cover painting
Joseph Lange

Program notes
Linda Kouvaras
Linda Kouvaras is a pianist, composer and musicologist with a particular focus on contemporary Australian music. She has recorded, commissioned and premiered numerous new works for piano, and performs widely in city and regional centres.
Where to listen
Mozart is available for streaming through Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
Mozart is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MD 3246
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 72 minutes 43 seconds
- Producer
- Thomas Grubb
- Editing Engineer
- Thomas Grubb
- Venue
- Melba Hall
- Credit
- Joseph Lange
Linda Kouvaras - Release date
- 2001
- Musical work
copyright - © 2001 Move Records
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 2001 Move Records
- Categories
- Classical, Keyboard
- Genre
- Classical Era
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574324624
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