As with the previous three “Perspectives” volumes, Andreas Haefliger juxtaposes Beethoven sonatas with complementary, often unexpected fare by other composers. He shapes the Janácek Sonata’s brooding paragraphs in broad arcs, massive textures and with ample yet never excessive use of the sustain pedal. The interpretation convincingly contrasts with the leanness and urgency pianists such as Ivan Moravec (Hänssler) and András Schiff (ECM, 7/01) convey. Haefliger’s tonal palette yields similarly expressive dividends in Beethoven’s Waldstein, although some of his contrived voicings and cadential ritards labour the obvious.

Following a spacious, lovingly inflected account of Op 78’s first movement, Haefliger shifts gears, playing up the Allegro vivace’s syncopated accents and wacky major/minor shifts for all they’re worth. However, it’s the gnarly, quasi-orchestral scope of Brahms’s early F sharp minor Sonata that fuels Haefliger’s most engaging, consistent work here. The outer movements’ ungrateful octaves and fistfuls of chords flow like oil, while Haefliger’s nuanced, cultivated touch brings a three-dimensional quality to the slow movement’s sad lyricism, to say nothing of his focused rhythmic control in the Scherzo. In all, this assured and committed performance is worthy to stand alongside Arrau, Richter, Ax, Katchen, the young Hélène Grimaud and the underrated Peter Rösel. So what’s in store for “Perspectives 5?”