Mozart: Violin Sonata No. 27 in G major, K379

"‘Alexander Kniazev has certainly undertaken this act of piracy with relish, coming up with highly effective cello transcriptions of three of the master’s violin sonatas. There are even places in these works where the cello’s greater depth and range is preferable to the original, resulting in a more equally balanced and stimulating dialogue with the piano. […] there’s little doubt that both performers are passionately committed to the music and are equally capable of effecting elegance and charm in the more light-hearted moments of K301’. Erik Levi, BBC Music

“It's interesting to hear this kind of "second generation" historically informed playing: modern instruments, but completely digested performance practice, with pure tone of course from the orchestra, a very slight and informed vibrato from the violinist, and phrasing from everyone in sight! What a joy to realise that you can play stylishly with any instrument, whether new or old, and that ‘early music’ is in the mind rather than the hardware.” (Sir Roger Norrington)

This is a voyage of discovery for me,' says Rachel Podger as she moves on from award-winning Bach and Vivaldi to embark on a complete cycle of Mozart's violin sonatas. This first disc in the series offers four from the early, middle and late periods - C major KV6, B flat major KV378, G major KV379 and F major KV547 - in which Podger's youth and Baroque experience combine to bring a charm and freshness of approach which suit these delightful pieces perfectly. With sympathetic support from the equally youthful Gary Cooper, this promises to be a cycle well worth following. Anthony Holden, Sunday November 21, 2004 The Observer