For many years I've wanted to spend some time focusing on Mozart's piano sonatas and have long felt sceptical of the broadly held view that these remarkable works are the poor siblings of his piano concertos – less original, inspired, and engaging than their symphonic counterparts.
Mozart+ aims to challenge that idea by juxtaposing the many facets of this rich corner of the piano repertoire with works by other composers, presenting both contrasts with and, perhaps less obviously, connections to Mozart's piano writing.
This program explores an unlikely path from Mozart to Debussy and back again. At first glance, these two composers seem far removed from one another, but the 15 Improvisations of Francis Poulenc reveal unexpected connections. Poulenc's piano writing combines the clarity, balance and elegance of Mozart with a distinctly French sense of colour and atmosphere, making him a natural bridge between these musical worlds.
The journey begins with Mozart's Sonata in C major, K. 330, whose warmth and transparency gradually give way, through Poulenc's Improvisations Nos 7–12, to the colourfully ecstatic world of Debussy's L'isle joyeuse. After the interval, the remaining Improvisations lead back towards Mozart, ending with the dramatic and expressive Sonata in C minor, K. 457. Along the way, Poulenc's music offers a fresh perspective on both composers, highlighting qualities they share despite the century that separates them.
© Paul Lewis 2026
Don't miss Paul Lewis: Mozart+ touring nationally 4-15 October.
