Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Violin Sonatas (Willi Boskovsky; Lili Kraus)

Information

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Violin Sonata in C Major, K. 6
• Violin Sonata in G Major, K. 27
• Violin Sonata in F Major, K. 55
• Violin Sonata in C Major, K. 56
• Violin Sonata in F Major, K. 57
• Violin Sonata in E-Flat Major, K. 58
• Violin Sonata in C Minor, K. 59
• Violin Sonata in E Minor, K. 60
• Violin Sonata in C Major, K. 296
• Violin Sonata in G Major, K. 301
• Violin Sonata in E-Flat Major, K. 302
• Violin Sonata in C Major, K. 303
• Violin Sonata in E Minor, K. 304
• Violin Sonata in A Major, K. 305
• Violin Sonata in D Major, K. 306
• Violin Sonata in F Major, K. 376
• Violin Sonata in F Major, K. 377
• Violin Sonata in B-Flat Major, K. 378
• Violin Sonata in G Major, K. 379
• Violin Sonata in E-Flat Major, K. 380
• Violin Sonata in A Major, K. 402
• Violin Sonata in C Major, K. 403
• Violin Sonata in C Major, K. 404
• Violin Sonata in B-Flat Major, K. 454
• Violin Sonata in E-Flat Major, K. 481
• Violin Sonata in A Major, K. 526
• Violin Sonata in F Major, K. 547

Willi Boskovsky, violin

Lili Kraus, piano

Compilation: 2026

Label: Warner Classics

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This final installment of a retrospective devoted to Lili Kraus highlights her interpretation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through a near-complete cycle of his violin sonatas, encompassing 27 of the 36 works in the Köchel catalogue. Recognized as a leading authority on Mozart’s music, Kraus demonstrates exceptional wit, clarity, and stylistic refinement. She is joined by her long-time collaborator Willi Boskovsky, whose partnership contributes to the cohesion and elegance of these performances, underscoring their shared musical insight and interpretive sensitivity.

Lili Kraus (1905–1986) rose from poverty to become one of the great pianists of her generation. Trained in Budapest with Székely, Kodály, Weiner, and Bartók, and later in Vienna and Berlin with Schnabel, she built a distinguished international career as both performer and teacher. Her early tours with violinist Szymon Goldberg were cut short by World War II, during which she and her family were imprisoned in a Japanese labor camp. After the war, she rebuilt her career in Australia, South Africa, and later the United States, where she helped found the Van Cliburn Piano Competition. Renowned for her spirited interpretations of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, Kraus left an extensive and admired discography spanning major European and American labels.

Willi Boskovsky (1909–1991) was a Viennese violinist and conductor best known for leading the Vienna New Year’s Concert for decades. A prodigy, he entered the Vienna Academy at nine and later served as concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic from 1936 to 1979. He also conducted the Wiener Johann Strauss Orchester, continuing the city’s dance-music tradition. As a chamber musician he led the Boskovsky Quartet and helped form the Vienna Octet. A dedicated Mozart interpreter, he recorded the complete violin sonatas and piano trios with Lili Kraus and Nikolaus Hübner. His stylish, violin-led “Vorgeiger” approach made him a beloved exponent of the Strauss family’s music.