Schubert Piano Sonatas
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Franz Schubert
Label: Capriccio
Magazine Review Date: 12/1995
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 73
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 10 707
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| Sonata for Piano No. 16 |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Franz Schubert, Composer Michael Endres, Piano |
| Sonata for Piano No. 17 |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Franz Schubert, Composer Michael Endres, Piano |
Author:
Although Schubert's A minor and D major Sonatas were written in the same year (1825), they demonstrate an astonishing emotional range. In March 1826, the reviewer for the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung accurately detected the fantasy character of the A minor Sonata, identifying its richness of ''truly new and original invention'' and its ''many-sided expression''. Schiff exploits the varied keyboard colours offered by his Bosendorfer piano to reveal this piece's romantic spirit through perceptive illumination of voice-leading detail and subtle play with balance. By contrast, Endres here presents a more studied view of this work's formal novelty and expressive power. His close observation and masterly dynamic control in the first movement, for example, present a compelling account of the music's polarity of wistful lyricism and restlessness. Moreover, as the subtle textures of the Andante, the Scherzo's dreamy, Landler-like trio and liquid finale all confirm, the warmth of the piano sound and the softly lit recording suit both Endres and this piece very well.
Schubert wrote the D major Sonata while on holiday in Gastein, and dedicated the work to the pianist Karl Maria von Bocklet. Schiff's account of this work is outstanding from the Beethovenian virtuosity of its opening movement to the romantic Impromptu character of its Scherzo and, ultimately, to its enchantingly innocent con delicatezza finale. Endres's subtle, elegant performance has some beautiful moments; few can fail to be touched by playing of such refined sensitivity. However, just occasionally, I would like a little more fire.'
Schubert wrote the D major Sonata while on holiday in Gastein, and dedicated the work to the pianist Karl Maria von Bocklet. Schiff's account of this work is outstanding from the Beethovenian virtuosity of its opening movement to the romantic Impromptu character of its Scherzo and, ultimately, to its enchantingly innocent con delicatezza finale. Endres's subtle, elegant performance has some beautiful moments; few can fail to be touched by playing of such refined sensitivity. However, just occasionally, I would like a little more fire.'
Schubert Piano Sonatas
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