The Poet

"From the beginning of Mozart’s F major sonata, K. 280, the first of two included, the Sokolov spell is cast. The graceful, crisp articulation; the little hesitations, so carefully wrought: here is poetic and intimate playing of the highest order.

"For me, the Mozart sonatas exemplify the essence of Sokolov's playing: he can do things with a melody that are just amazing. The way he phrases Mozart's slow movements is a joy to hear: thoughtful and individual without being fussy, he makes those melodies sing in a way that is incomparable...This gift for lyricism is equally present in the Chopin.