An old Wild standby, the Hindemith Third, is buoyant, enlivingly articulated, and cogently phrased. Wild's own three-movement Sonata, completed literally days before the recording sessions, is quite attractive and well-made, highlighted by a sustained, lyrical slow movement and a jubilant finale inspired by Ricky Martin's heartthrob-of-the-moment brand of salsa. I hope the outcome of this work will step up Wild's creative productivity, for he is a real composer. He remains an unreal pianist at 84, whose supple fingerwork can easily be mistaken for a young, hotshot firebrand. In sum, this release is one of the finest recordings in Earl Wild's long, individual career, and cannot be recommended too highly. [11/2/2000]