COMPOSERS: Schubert
LABELS: Erato
WORKS: Sonata D894 (Fantasia); Sonata D960; Impromptu No.1; Impromptu No. 2; Impromptu No. 3; Impromptu No. 4, D899
PERFORMER: Maria-João Pires (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-91928-2 DDD (2 discs) (1988)
Pires is as thoughtful as she is dramatic in these youthful-sounding accounts of Schubert sonatas and impromptus. The sometimes nervy ebb and flow she imposes on the music could become irritating on repeated hearings, and she misses the true heart’s ease others find in Schubert’s sublime melodies. But the performances have plenty of character and in the great, final sonata (D960) she offers a stimulating alternative view to the safer recommendation of Brendel on mid-price Philips. Decent, slightly clattery piano sound. David Michaels
Schubert: Sonata D894 (Fantasia); Sonata D960; Impromptu No.1; Impromptu No. 2; Impromptu No. 3; Impromptu No. 4, D899
Pires is as thoughtful as she is dramatic in these youthful-sounding accounts of Schubert sonatas and impromptus. The sometimes nervy ebb and flow she imposes on the music could become irritating on repeated hearings, and she misses the true heart’s ease others find in Schubert’s sublime melodies. But the performances have plenty of character and in the great, final sonata (D960) she offers a stimulating alternative view to the safer recommendation of Brendel on mid-price Philips. Decent, slightly clattery piano sound. David Michaels
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm