Influences. Mariam Batsashvili, pianist. Warner Classics 2173253517.
One way to repackage various but frequently recorded pieces is to claim some connection between them. In the case of Mariam Batsashvili's third Warner release, the idea is that these sonatas "and extras" are presented chronologically by composer in a way that shows connectiong threads. Or something. Here is Batsashvili's explanation:
"Even though there are so many other sonatas which are fantastic, I chose these ones because they speak to me. The idea of Influences is that the listener will make links between the sonatas, and whilst hearing the character and signature of each composer, the evolution of sonata form and the development of music is audible." (See here for her entire interview discussing the recording.)
Okay, I guess. I think we can all agree there are many possible connections between Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt. But Batsashvili speaks a bit broadly, if not vaguely, when it comes to identifying some. I kinda think she just chose these specific sonatas (and extras) mainly because she likes them. Which is fine, but it makes the Influences theme come across more as a marketing ploy than anything else. She's performing stuff she wants to; theme-wise, maybe we should just leave it at that and be content.
Of course, what matters more than the packaging is the playing. Here we have somewhat of a mixed bag to go along with the repertoire choices. We start with Haydn's sprightly D-Major Sonata, Hob. XVI:37. This is played well if not remarkably. Anyone merely wanting a solid performance will be entirely pleased. A slightly-too-staccato articulation at times goes against my taste, but this isn't a huge deal. Similar things could be said for Batsashvili's interpretation of Mozart's D-Major Sonata, K. 576, though I liked this performance a bit better because of a suitably rousing finale.
Given her propensity for Liszt (more on this in a bit), it's maybe surprising that Batsashvili's Appassionata Sonata by Beethoven isn't more fiery. I found it fairly well played, but too tame. The finale especially is sluggish and lackluster. Furthermore, if "influences" encompasses how galant-like she makes passages like the one starting at Measure 145 sound, perhaps this is a connection to Haydn (or before) we didn't need! Usually I'm glad when companies don't skimp on their discs' playing times. But at 83 minutes, this recording could have left out its Appassionata and elevated the whole business in so doing.
But now we come to the best reason to purchase Influences: Batsashvili's Liszt. The winner of both the 10th International Franz Liszt Piano Competition (2014) and the International Franz Liszt Competition for Young Pianists (2011), she amply backs up her credentials as a Lisztian here. We get excellent performances of the first and famous third Liebesträume, as well as a solid La Campanella. However, the real prize is her Dante Sonata. This isn't the easiest work to bring off convincingly, but Batsashvili supplies the vividness, cohesion, and absolute sympathy required to do so. That alone is worth the purchase price.
Verdict: Highly Recommended for the Liszt; Recommended for the Haydn and Mozart
