From a critical point of view, barring the opportunity to hear an artist publicly, often after the appearance of a particularly impressive recording a period of uncertainty sets in. Was that special recording a one-shot wonder? Will acquaintance with a wider range of the artist’s repertoire meet the high standards of the first glimpse? This release of Schubert and Schoenberg was my first exposure to Can Çakmur since his splendid recording of Liszt’s transcription of Schubert’s Schwanengesang (12/20). I am happy to report that it more than fulfils the highest expectations.

The coupling of these two Schubert sonatas is a congenial one. The principal theme of the early A minor Sonata’s second movement would return 11 years later in the Rondo of the magnificent late A major Sonata. Çakmur’s approach to both works is symphonic, within the bounds of appropriate taste and style. Throughout D537, the vivid characterisation of themes seems particularly apt and imaginative. In the concluding Allegro vivace, pure kinaesthetic joy seems barely containable.

In the Olympian climes of the great A major Sonata, D959, Çakmur inspires even greater admiration. The sense of orchestral space is even more suitable to the lofty dimensions of this august work. One of Çakmur’s special gifts is his fluent differentiation between principal material and passagework in Schubert’s highly idiosyncratic keyboard-writing. Be warned: the Andantino slow movement weaves its tragic course with such extraordinary poise and restraint that you may, as I did, have difficulty restraining tears. This movement alone situates this interpretation among the finest I know. The distance between this abyss of heartbreak and the sprightly Scherzo is astonishing in its contrast, which seems to verge on incongruity. Coming at last to the noble finale, where Çakmur neglects no detail, the dimensions of Schubert’s vision on the eve of death are apparent with an immediacy that only the very best of his interpreters are capable of imparting.

The Op 11 Schoenberg pieces exhibit the same depth of discernment evident in the Schubert sonatas. This very distinguished recording should not be missed by anyone interested in fine piano-playing and heartfelt poetic utterance.