Walter Klein was a 20th century Austrian pianist (1928 – 1991). He was a student of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli & Hindemith. His Mozart performances are crystaline - emotionally perfect & deft. He ranks with the great Mozart pianists: Andras Schiff, Mitsuko Uchida, & Murray Perahia. His performances of these mid & late sonatas are gems.
For the Klein spell, you might need more than one opportunity to listen to Klein’s rendition (so download it!). But once you do – it’s hard to resist his clean, crisp and crystal clear touch. Somewhere in the spectrum between Perahia’s serious rendition and Gould’s “mad” interpretation, which are both old favorites of mine, there’s Klein who - in his understated interpretation – is able to touch and bring all the beauty of Mozart’s piano sonatas. In my opinion, this is the best set of the Mozart piano sonatas, and complemented with Gould's captivating playing you've got a perfect view point on Mozart.
I have heard many renditions of the Mozart Sonatas. This one is down to earth. No fuss or pretentiousness about Klein's playing. Even the sound of the piano is apt for these sonatas
Klien's Mozart isn't immediately individual - not the cultivated bonsai of Uchida, or the endless sophistication of Perahia. But as you get used to it, it strikes you that here is someone who loves the lilt, the whimsey, the grace of Mozart's piano music. Nothing seems contrived, but and endless variety seems to come from the music itself. I have no higher praise than that.
