Mitsuko Uchida - Beethoven: The Last Three Sonatas Op. 109, 110, 111 (2026)


Mitsuko Uchida approaches Beethoven’s final three sonatas with patience, elegance and complete technical control. Every phrase is carefully shaped, and the quieter passages have a genuine intimacy, particularly in Op. 110 and the Arietta of Op. 111.

The problem is that everything sometimes feels too careful. The performances are polished and intelligent, but they rarely have the raw tension, danger or emotional violence these sonatas can produce. The live setting adds little urgency, and the recording remains surprisingly restrained.

This is clearly the work of a great pianist who understands the music deeply, but admiration does not always turn into excitement. Beautifully played and easy to respect, yet a little too controlled and distant to fully connect with me.

Pros
Exceptional technical control and clarity
Beautifully paced quieter passages
Mature and intelligent interpretation

Cons
Too restrained and carefully polished
Lacks tension and dramatic urgency
Emotionally distant in several passages





Genre: Classical
Country: Japan

Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 147th / 602

Highlight: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, 2025)


Made me think of:
Igor Levit
Maurizio Pollini
Alfred Brendel

#newalbum #newalbum2026 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery
#Classical #MitsukoUchida #Japan
#LP #Album #release

 

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