Schubert: Sonatas & Impromptus

On this CD:

1. Piano Sonata No. 21 in B flat major, D. 960
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Maria-Joao Pires

2. Impromptu for piano in G flat major, D. 899/3 (Op. 90/3) No.3 In G Flat Major
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Maria-Joao Pires

3. Impromptu for piano in A flat major, D. 899/4 (Op. 90/4) No.4 In A Flat Major
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Maria-Joao Pires

4. Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major ("Fantasy"), D. 894 (Op. 78)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Maria-Joao Pires

5. Impromptu for piano in C minor, D. 899/1 (Op. 90/1) No.1 In C Minor
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Maria-Joao Pires

6. Impromptu for piano in E flat major, D. 899/2 (Op. 90/2) No.2 In E Flat Major
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Maria-Joao Pires

Tracks:

Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 1. Molto Moderato
Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 2. Andante Sostenuto
Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 4. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 1. Allegro Moderato
Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 2. Allegro
Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 3. Adagio
Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 4. Scherzo. Allegro
Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 5. Allegro Patetico

Tracks:

Sonata In C Minor D 958: 1. Allegro
Sonata In C Minor D 958: 2. Adagio
Sonata In C Minor D 958: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
Sonata In C Minor D 958: 4. Allegro
Sonata In A Major D 959: 1. Allegro
Sonata In A Major D 959: 2. Andantino
Sonata In A Major D 959: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In A Major D 959: 4. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 1. Molto Moderato E Cantabile
Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 2. Andante
Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 3. Menuetto. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 4. Allegretto
Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 1. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 2. Con Motto
Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 3. Scherzo. Alegro Vivace
Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 4. Rondo. Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 1. Moderato
Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 2. Andante Poco Mosso
Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace - Trio. Un Poco Piu Lento
Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 4. Rondo. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In C Major 840 ('Reliquie' - Fragment): 1. Moderato
Sonata In C Major 840 ('Reliquie' - Fragment): 2. Andante
Sonate In A Minor D 784 (Op. 143): 1. Allegro Giusto
Sonate In A Minor D 784 (Op. 143): 2. Amdante
Sonate In A Minor D 784 (Op. 143): 3. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Sonata In a Major D 664 (Op. 120): 1. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In a Major D 664 (Op. 120): 2. Andante
Sonata In a Major D 664 (Op. 120): 3. Allegro
Sonata In F Minor D 625: 4. Allegro
Sonata In F Minor D 625: 2. Scherzo. Allegretto
Sonata In F Minor D 625: 3. Allegro
Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 2. Andante
Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 3. Scherzo. Allegretto
Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 4. Allegro Giusto

Tracks:

Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 1. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 2. Andante Molto
Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 4. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In A Major D 557: 1. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In A Major D 557: 2. Andante
Sonata In A Major D 557: 3. Allegro
Sonata In E Minor D 556 (First And Second Movements): 1. Moderato
Sonata In E Minor D 556 (First And Second Movements): 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata In A Minor D 537 (Op. 164): 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In A Minor D 537 (Op. 164): 2. Allegretto Quasi Andantino
Sonata In A Minor D 537 (Op. 164): 3. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In C Major D 279 (Fragment): 1. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In C Major D 279 (Fragment): 2. Andante
Sonata In C Major D 279 (Fragment): 3. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In E Major D 157(Fragment): 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In E Major D 157(Fragment): 2. Andante
Sonata In E Major D 157(Fragment): 3. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

Wilhelm Kempff was a master of poetic lyricism, with a wondrous keyboard touch and a breathtaking command of subtle dynamics and tonal colorations--all invaluable attributes of any Schubert interpreter. He also had the knack of holding together large structures that can often seem aimless, thus avoiding another trap many pianists fall into, that of lavishing so much attention on passing detail that Schubert's "heavenly lengths" can seem wayward wanderings. The one criticism often heard is that Kempff emphasizes poetry at the expense of drama. This magnificent set leaves that claim unsubstantiated.

Few pianists have been so successful, for example, in what may be Schubert's wildest single movement, the nightmarish Andantino of the A major Sonata, D. 959. Here, Kempff captures the tortured mood of the piece to perfection without breaking its Classical frame. Tempos are generally expansive, but Kempff's tonal luster and unerring sense of natural phrasing never make you want him to step on the accelerator. A special treat is the inclusion of rarely heard early works. Some of these were left unfinished; others reflect a composer still mastering his craft. But most are of more than passing interest, and some have an enchanting, aching beauty. Kempff's Schubert set has been a recording classic since its release on LP; its availability in a space-saving CD box at a budget price is cause for celebration. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Sometimes the old ways are the best.......2007-04-27

Kempff himself wrote the liner notes to this highly satisfying set and states the following: "The deeper we penetrate into the world of Schubert, however, the greater is our surprise at discovering that the 'heavenly length' for which he is reproached is to be regarded relatively. If the length becomes evident as longueurs, the fault lies with the interpreter (I speak from my own experience...)." Indeed, in listening to Kempff play the Schubert sonata canon the thoughts of "overly long" or "needlessly repetitive" never entered my head. Barring some extraordinary performances of individual sonatas over the years, such as Richter's old Russian recording of the c minor (D 958) on Melodiya or Serkin's equally old recording of the B-flat (D 960), this is the best playing of the Schubert sonatas I know.

I used to think of some of the earlier sonatas as practice or training pieces for the later masterworks (which of course by definition they are, but they need not be viewed retrospectively from the vantage point of the late works). Unfortunately, they often sound boring and immature. This is due to defects in players and the playing, not a problem with Schubert. Kempff makes all the sonatas here, including the early ones, glow with the utmost musicality so they stand on their own as beautiful works. Just one example: In the earlier of the a minor sonatas he handles little secondary figures that are intercalated within major theme phrases in an amazingly musical and beautiful way. As a pianist myself, I could never figure out how to make them unobtrusive, let alone desirable. Under Kempff's fingers they fit sublimely into the fabric of the work. The playing is clearly layered, every note and phrase has its place and purpose, his internal logic is such that nothing Schubert wrote sounds less than as it should. One more example: The first movement of the G major sonata ("Fantasy" sonata, D 894) floats in its ethereal haze but goes fast, not slow. Kempff can produce the effect of suspended animation without suspending the actual motion. This is no doubt what Schubert intended but it is very difficult to pull off as a performer. Kempff's treatment of the last 5 sonatas (D, G, A, c minor, and B flat) is breathtaking.

This set is a revelation. What a magnificent panorama of Schubert's development as a composer! Also, the origins of later composers' styles can be traced to Schubert's writing for piano. The roots of Bruckner's iterated and protracted symphonies can be heard, for example, in the way the finale of the a minor sonata begins. (I don't think this is apparent from other players, who lack Kempff's lyricism and mysticism.) Included beside the actual titled sonatas are various fragments of incomplete sonatas and collections of piano pieces that in effect are untitled sonatas (such as D 459/459A).

The recordings are from around 1965-1970 and the piano sound is singing, glowing, radiant. I recommend this set wholeheartedly to anyone interested in great musicianship, masterly piano playing, Schubert's piano music, and Schubert's evolution as a composer. Kempff makes you realize that the magic didn't all happen in the last year of Schubert's life, and I can't think of another pianist who does that for me. (There are few, if any, major players of Schubert with whom I'm not familiar.) Kempff was the leading German pianist of the immediate post-WW II era, but I think he has largely been forgotten. His Schubert, Beethoven, and Brahms are wonderful. Modern players, despite their steel fingers and elephantine endurance and machine-like (sometimes machine-gun-like) techniques, stand to learn a lot from this old master's art.

The Love of Schubert.......2007-03-30

Absolutely must have for true music lover and particularly the music of Schubert. This is already an old recording but still stands up the comparison with later, newer CD's ( Brendel, Schiff,Lupu, Perahia). Kempff, the old master, now deceased, left a memorable,moving and romantic in spirit rendition of Schubert Piano Sonatas (the first complete set). I heard Kempff performed in live, and always thought of him as the greatest German Romantic Pianist.
This set is the work of true love.

Great, but Prefer the Schiff.......2006-08-06

How can it be that the Schiff cycle is out of print? How does that concept even make sense in 2006?

The one review on the late sonatas by Schiff holds some clues as to why they are so special.

I know that years of listening produces version biases, but I really did try and look past that here, but the C minor 958 is so much less dramatic and compelling in this version. The Schiff version is very hypnotic. Kempff's tempos are totally different. It is interesting, during the runs, there is a tremendous sense of fluidity in Kempff's sound, but in the rest of the piece, it sounds too mechanical. The same holds for some of the others, though in some of the pieces, for instance, 568, the results are less pronounced.

Ironically, I usually like the less embellished versions of pieces, especially when a composer like Beethoven is involved and performers reinterpret him as a romantic, but in this case, the opposite is true. 958 in Schiff's version sounds like one of the towering achievements of solo piano. Here, the elements are all there, but the overall effect is lost.

Elegance, accuracy and expressiveness!.......2006-01-24

These gems recordings are authentic milestones performances. Because there has not been any other pianist capable of making sing the piano like Wilhelm Kempff. His fingering is precise and crystalline, the cantabiles are sumptuous and the arpeggios are phrased with such clarity and expression, that hardly you will be able to forget it.

Go for these performances. They are part of the legend.

Heavenly Length and Breadth.......2006-01-11

There are a number of classical pianists who perform Schubert's piano sonatas extremely well (Brendel, Uchida, Schiff, and Richter come immediately to mind), all of whom bring their own individual brilliance to this music. Given that it is probably impossible to render the "best" performance of each of these pieces, the question arises as to why anyone would want to invest in one musician's complete recordings of these sonatas.

My analysis of this question takes into account several factors. The first of these is economic. The Kempff set is budget price and a significant savings over the acquisition of the sonatas by other artists. Even if economics are not a factor, it may be valuable to compare Kempff's way with these pieces with other pianists and this set will allow the collector to at least have one complete set for comparison purposes.

The basis for investing in these recordings is, however, far from solely economic. There seem to be two components a successful Schubertian must bring to the sonatas: an ability to properly convey the various dynamic markings found in each piece and the ability to understand and convey the complete architecture of each piece, instead of being caught up in the various eddies that so many of the movements contain with them. Kempff is able to satisfy both of these components brilliantly. These albums contain what may be the most beautiful pianissimo I have ever heard. Kempff also seems to have a sure conception of each complete work and does not lose the listener in various musical cul de sacs.

In short, performances this beautiful are bargains at any cost.

Sviatoslav Richter Plays Schubert Piano Sonatas D958, D960

Average customer rating:

The passionate serenity!
awe inspiring playing
genius
Richter's best recording. Schubert's best piano works

Sviatoslav Richter Plays Schubert Piano Sonatas D958, D960

Manufacturer: Regis Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000AL9D6
Release Date: 2003-07-09

Customer Reviews:

The passionate serenity!.......2006-12-17

The febrile pulse and the way he phrased every single bar, make we can define the Richter's taste. Nobody like him could approach with such staunch and with that wise [....] around the spirit of the composer. That quality may be appreciated with major intensity since the seventies , when the poetry, the mercurial passion and the lyricism shook hands each one another. His repertoire experienced a notable twist; he left behind the Russian repertoire aside, and his interests overturned specially around Schubert, Schumann, Beethoven. So we have the most distinguished, imaginative and refined Russian pianist swimming in German literature. The effort was compensated by far; the inner tensions, the core of the work nestled beneath the score, the magic atmosphere he produced, captivated two great countries; Japan and U.K.

Introspection and solemnity hovered by a contemplative gaze and profound sentiment. The philosopher pianist, possessed now a major lyrical vein, absolutely free of rhetorical conventionalisms. Possibly Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann were the composers whom Richter expressed with major wise objectivity and sheer poetry. He loved the challenges and knew Kempff had written golden pages around these notable composers. Nevertheless the genius blossomed and permitted a vivid renaissance of pristine lyricism never heard before.
Undeniably, the seventies was the most productive, valuable and extraordinary decade of this prolific pianist. You may realize the wide catalogue and countless concerts, where he was beloved and admired.

So,leaving aside my profound admiration for this great interpreter, I invite you in case you don't to explore unexpected facets of the pianism of this genius of the keyboard, and this volume is specially a concluding evidence about it.

awe inspiring playing.......2006-04-03

I've just got home having heard a rather zealous/charmless live performance of Schubert 9 by Sir John Eliot Gardiner/LSO.
Suddenly,to hear Richter's playing of these Sonatas is to be transported into another world of musical re-creation.Whatever strange things Richter does -slow tempi,violent fortissimos-one is left with an overwhelming sense of rightness,of being taken on a great spiritual journey.
That may sound simple like a simple accomplishment but it's all too rarely achieved!
it ought to be noted that Richter's recording of the 1st movement of D960 beautifully frames that most inspiring of documentaries 'Richter,the Enigma'/bruno monsanigen

genius.......2004-12-11

This is simply a wonderful and stunning disc. Early 1970s recordings belying their age. Richter's playing, especially of D960 is profound, slow and harrowing. I find it impossible to listen to any other interpretation of this sonata having heard Richter play here. The whole work, intense and disturbing as it is, is transported to the highest realms of expressive angst, felicity and desperation by the pianist whom Glenn Gould (no slouch himself) described as "the miracle that is Sviatoslav Richter".

This is no easy listen and you may find, once the final bars have faded, that you are emotionally drained by the whole experience. This is music-making of the highest calibre. I have owned this disc for about a year and, having listened to it at least once weekly since, its sheer force and power have not diminished in the slightest.

Richter's best recording. Schubert's best piano works.......2004-10-16

To make this review short and simple. I owned this album for over a year. I didn't love it. The tempos on the B flat Sonata bothered me....a bit slowere than the norm. One day, I was feeling very low and for some reason, I remembered I hadn't listened to this cd in quite some time. I put on the B-flat sonata, and I realized that the reason, it was hard to like is because it is one of the most painful readings of music I've ever heard. I'm certain the intent of the sonata was to display the beauty within pain. Anyway, if that was its intent, this is beyond a realization of that. As for the other sonata, it's played with perfect Richter grace. The sound quality is excellent and any piano listener with a deep need to be emotionally persuaded by the world's finest Schubert interpreter should buy this CD. It's an experience that will last with you. I wish you luck on your purchase

Average customer rating:

"Real" classical music for little ones
Very Relaxing, yet still super
Just what we harried ADULTS need to unwind!
Beautiful bedtime music for babies
Peaceful, beautiful, soothing piano music

Perchance to Dream

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Reverie: Carol Rosenberger
Such Stuff As Dreams
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Singing on the Water
This Little Piggy with CD: Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games and Pantomime Rhymes

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Release Date: 1992-05-22

Tracks:

Short Story
My Deal Little Mother (Mein Mein)
Andante from Sonata in C, K. 545
Erinnerung (Remembrance)
Sehr Langsam (Very Slowly)
Abendlied (Evening Song)
Schlummerlied (Slumber Song)
Mignon
Des Abends (Evening)
Berceuse, Op. 56, No. 1
Prelude Op. 28, No. 7 in a Major
Mazurka Op. 68, No. 2 in a Minor
Adagio from Sonata in F Major, Hob Xvi:23
Sinfonia V in E-Flat Major
Prelude in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier
Aria in G Major from the Goldberg Variations
Andante from Sonata in a Major, Op. 120, D. 664
Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 1
Bagatelle, Op. 119, No. 1
Adagio Cantabile from Sonata Op. 13 (Pathque)

Amazon.com

This is a lovingly-presented and very touching recording. Solo piano works by such composers as Kabalevsky, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Schumann, and Ravel come together in this collection intended to promote restfulness and calm in both children and adult listeners. With Carol Rosenberger's gentle playing, it succeeds marvellously. This disc is absolutely ideal for bedtime or times of quiet reflection. It might serve well in the car during traffic jams, too. Rather than just throwing together performances packaged on a theme (as a number of record companies are doing), Delos and Rosenberger seem to have tailored the interpretations to achieve the desired musical goal here. The liner notes have a lively section just for young readers. --Gwendolyn Freed

Product Description

Music for Babies/Childrem

Customer Reviews:

"Real" classical music for little ones.......2003-02-27

I bought this CD for my elder son when he was tiny; he listened to it nightly (and often for afternoon naps), and his little brother is continuing the tradition. What I like best about this compilation is that this is REAL music - real Brahms, Mozart, etc - and not watered-down versions or arrangements of the classics (like the vast majority of "classical" compilations on the market these days). (I suppose I am just a crank about this, but I grew up listening to real music, and I want my kids to do the same.) The performances are gentle and understated - not what you would want in a concert, but just right for sedating a small one.

Very Relaxing, yet still super.......1999-06-16

This CD is just wonderful for babies and adults and children. It has a good blend of music to introduce children to beautiful classical music. I think that the playing is just superb.

Just what we harried ADULTS need to unwind!.......1999-02-12

An almost perfect combination of selections for relaxing background music, which is played frequently as our dinner music.

I would have appreciated a little less "electronic doctoring" as some notes (especially the lower range) don't sound quite "true", but then again it could be my ears!

Anyway, am delighted that it does what it was designed to do...provide an enjoyable time of relaxation. Thanks.

Beautiful bedtime music for babies.......1999-01-04

This CD was given to us as a gift when our daughter was born and we always play it when putting her down for a nap or to sleep for the night. When we travel, we take it along to ensure that she will fall asleep as easily on the road as she does at home.The music is absolutely lovely and very soothing for infants and adults alike. We even ordered a second copy in case we were ever to lose or wear out the first one!

Peaceful, beautiful, soothing piano music.......1998-10-22

This is one of the most peaceful, soothing and beautiful CD's I have ever heard. I think it would put you or your baby to sleep every night. The music selection is wonderful and the artist has a beautiful technique on the piano. I loved it.

Average customer rating:

Only D. 850 less than satisfactory
A Favorite In Venezuela

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol.2
Franz Schubert , and Walter Klien
Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3
Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol 2 / Walter Klien
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Walter Klien plays Brahms

ASIN: B000001K5R
Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
IV. Rondo: Allegretto
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro Giusto
II. Andante
III. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace
II. Con Moto
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
IV. Rondo: Allegro Moderato
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Only D. 850 less than satisfactory.......2006-06-27

Six great sonatas here, even the less famous ones are wonderful. Unfortunately, D. 850, one of Schubert's greatest sontas, gets a very matter of fact performance by the legendary Walter Klein. It almost sounds like he is sightreading the music. However, the rest of the performances are simply magnificent and the set is well worth the super budget price.

A Favorite In Venezuela.......2003-11-15

Jo-Anne Davila, critic for the Merida Review, is unwavering in her sympathies for this performance, saying, "If you negate, I'll discography you, forever! I'll throw your music out of the house, and onto the street!" So, buy this, even if the sound is not true. Personally, I love this music. The first classical music I ever heard was Schubert, and this recording is not disappointing.

Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert: Piano Sonatas

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Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert: Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Orfeo D'or
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Awful
Beautiful!
Schubert Piano Sonatas by Walter Klein
Complete Schubert , well done, at a Great Value

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3
Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol.2
Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol 2 / Walter Klien
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Walter Klien plays Brahms

ASIN: B000001K5Q
Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto: Allegro
IV. Allegro
I. Molto Moderato E Cantabile
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegro Moderato
IV. Allegretto
I. Moderato
II. Allegretto

Tracks:

I. Moderato
II. Andante, Poco Mosso
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
IV. Rondo: Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Andante
III. Scherzo: Allegretto
IV. Allegro Giusto
I. Moderato
II. Andante

Customer Reviews:

Awful.......2005-12-23

I bought the complete set, so I could get familiar with all of Schubert's piano works. After a couple of weeks, I threw all the disks away. There are much finer artists who bring individuality, verve and style to some of the greatest piano music ever written. Unfortunately, Mr. Kempf is not one of them.

Beautiful!.......2004-12-25

I have no complaints about this very reasonably-priced set of Schubert Piano Sonatas. In fact, I liked it so much, I bought Volumes Two and Three. The music is lovely, the recording is excellent. These sonatas are not as intense as Beethoven's, written at about the same time, but are in some ways more beautiful; they certainly create a more relaxing musical atmosphere. Though the music has its moments of tension, these interludes are usually resolved in a flowing melody or phrase. I would recommend this set to anyone who enjoys Schubert's music. It's nice to find the old Vox Boxes on CD. It is also enlightening to compare this set to the superlative Wilhelm Kempff's cycle of Schubert sonatas.

Schubert Piano Sonatas by Walter Klein.......2003-05-16

Walter Klein delivers beautiful renditions of the Schubert sonatas in this set of CD's. So much fine music for a real bargain price.

Complete Schubert , well done, at a Great Value.......2000-03-17

Franz Schubert's Piano Sonatas have had the great misfortune of being written about the same time as Beethoven's sonatas. Beethoven's are the ne plus ultra of the piano sonata and are justly esteemed by music lovers everywhere. Schubert's sonatas while lacking Beethoven's ruthless logic and frequent virtuosity are, if anything, more beautiful. They unfold at a serene and visionary pace. Walter Klien does a fine job here and this is one of only two complete sets of the Schubert sonatas available (The remaining sonatas are available in the VOX volumes 2 & 3). I prefer Alfred Brendel in this literature, but he has not recorded the complete set. If you like Schubert, then you will not be unhappy with these performances.

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol 2 / Walter Klien
Walter Klien plays Brahms
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000001K5S
Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: I. Molto Moderato
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: II. Andante Sostenuto
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In A-Flat Major, D. 557: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In A-Flat Major, D. 557: II. Andante
Sonata In A-Flat Major, D. 557: III. Allegro
Sonata In F Minor, D. 625: I. Allegro
Sonata In F Minor, D. 625: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Sonata In F Minor, D. 625: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: II. Andante Molto
Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: IV. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In A Minor, D.537: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In A Minor, D.537: II. Allegretto Quasi Andantino
Sonata In A Minor, D.537: III. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In E Major, D.459: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In E Major, D.459: II. Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata In E Major, D.459: III. Adagio
Sonata In E Major, D.459: IV. Schezo Con Trio: Allegro
Sonata In E Major, D.459: V. Allegro Patetico

Average customer rating:

Brendel's best recording of these
Schubert 's parting "swan songs"
Sublime
Captures the intimacy of Schubert
Lifeless

Schubert: The Last Three Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Schubert: The Complete Impromptus
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Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D958, 959, 960
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ASIN: B00000417C
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

Sonata In C Minor, D. 958: I. Allegro
Sonata In C Minor, D.958: II. Adagio
Sonata In C Minor D,958:: III. Menuetto (Allegro)
Sonata In C Minor, D.958: IV. Allegro
Sonata In A, D 959: I. Allegro
Sonata In A, D 959: II. Andantino
Sonata In A ,D 959: III. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace)
Sonata In A, D 959: IV. Rondo (Allegretto)

Tracks:

Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: I. Molto moderato
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: II. Andante sostenuto
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: III. Scherzo (Allegro vivace con delicatezza)
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: IV. Allegro ma non troppo
Klavierstucke (Impromptus), D. 946: No. 1 In E Flat Minor
Klavierstucke (Impromptus), D. 946: No. 2 In E Flat
Klavierstucke (Impromptus), D. 946: No. 3 In C

Customer Reviews:

Brendel's best recording of these.......2006-07-07

These are better than Brendel's later digital recordings. His playing is more flexible and his sound is warmer. This is some of his best playing and a must have if, like me, you appreciate his deep understanding of the music.

Schubert 's parting "swan songs".......2005-06-14

It is amazing to look at the last compositions of many of the great composers who often literally wrote their final works from the death bed: Mozart's last opera, clarinet concerto and requiem ... Beethoven's most spiritual last quartets ... and Schubert's stunning C-major quintet and final three piano sonatas. These last piano masterpieces of Schubert - huge in scope and expression - were composed in a compressed space of only three weeks yet show no hurriedness. With these last works, Schubert seemed to enter into a fullness and new maturity - perhaps freeing himself of past limitations of achieving greatness on par with his idol Beethoven. The music he wrote here in his final weeks reveals the depths of his emotion as he contemplated the "winter" of his life and is among the most personal, poinant, and emotionally stirring music in the piano literature. Additionally, there are many direct references with his final and most grief-laden song cycle, Winterreise. In these works you can sometimes really feel Schubert's pain, intense frustration, deep yearning, pulses of joy ... and sometimes his tears.

While generally following classical sonata form, these late piano pieces are most unique in their architecture and progression. One reference had a wonderful description of their structure and effect that was very helpful: "The late sonatas are long musical soliloqies in which the forceful direction of Beethoven's music is replaced by structures that seem to circle round their subject without ever coming to rest. This is not to say these works are in any way self-indulgent or prolix. It is rather that the conventional perception of linear time is her suspended. They have a "landscape-like" quality to them and indeed define an emotional terrain that is unique to Schubert." (Rough Guide)

Many great pianists have recorded these final works - which are truly among Schubert's finest compositions for piano - and each brings something unique to the music. Schnabel first brought this music out of obscurity ... Andras Schiff's readings are full of that Schubertian youth and charm ... Kempff exudes a thoughtful, lyrical and civilized appeal ... Richter offers a unique intensity and insight ... Radu Lupu as always a master poet ... Perahia offers his usual appealing and elegant pianism ... Uchida gives deep and songful readings (though some say overly so at times).

Among these greats, Alfred Brendel has long been recognized as one of the great interpreters of both Beethoven and Schubert. While his style is often pigeon-holed as "intellectual" or "analytical" (maybe its the thick glasses?), Brendel is no less capable of genuine expressiveness and emotional tenderness, as can be heard in these deeply-moving final sonatas. To me Brendel successfully exudes the poinant spirit of Schubert in these works and breathes wonderful expression in them. He is full of Schubertian "celebration of life" in the scherzos and happy allegros while pensive and emotionally volatile in movements like the A major slow movement(D959). In this stuning movement, Brendel's transition from the serene opening into the violent episodes in the middle is an object lesson in musical suspense and unfolding drama. Equally, the ever-so-touching opening of the last B-flat sonata (D960) Brendel admirably conveys with a poinant melancholy that a gravely ill Schubert must have felt when he wrote this movement (although others have captured its depths with more poetry). Subtle differences really; I still like his playing overall, mainly because there is a clear sense of where they are going. He is equally marvellous in the D946 Impromptus pieces and the less-popular C-minor work. But, the A-major seems the most special on this CD.

If you are an average listener with no leanings towards any one of these pianist and looking for a solidly recommended set of these final great sonatas, then this two-CD DUO set is an excellent choice and value. The sound quality of this set is very good - but does have some subtle "machine hiss" and a slight lack of depth. Most major reviewers (like Penguin Guide) also rate Brendel's Schubert very highly (as in this set or his live set also on Philips). Regardless of your choice of recordings, these last piano sonatas are some of the jewels of the piano literature not to be missed that reveal new depths with repeated listening.

Sublime.......2002-09-14

These sonatas are among the finest keyboard productions of the late-classical era. More intimate than Beethoven's, yet imbued with more rhythmic pulse than Mozart's, they require much taste and restraint from the performer. They're also relatively lengthy (the briefest in this set runs nearly 30 minutes). Consequently they're not very popular showpieces for professional pianists, while amateurs rarely develop to the point of being able to play them well. Ironically, Schubert's sonatas are highly melodic and ingratiating, dramatic without being overbearing, sentimental but not maudlin -- just the sort of music that should be "popular."

Brendel's performances are, to these ears, very convincing. He structures each of these episodic pieces brilliantly, rendering a coherent and affecting musical statement. For all its alleged waywardness, there is a transcendent sort of continuity in the music that defies analysis, expressive of a certain though mysterious moment in the composer's life; to hear the transition from classicism to Romanticism, one might listen to Schubert's late sonatas. If that seems too much like "homework," consider that, for melodic invention, Schubert is second to no one who ever presumed to write music.

The recording quality is good, considering its vintage (early 70s). For the price (two CDs for the price of one) this set really can't be topped.

Captures the intimacy of Schubert.......2001-03-09

I have both this and Kempff - I've had the Kempff for awhile and really admired the performance but Brendle takes my breath away. To master Schubert you must master the silent, empty, spaces - and this Brendle does superbly. It's like he's playing in the same room. Excellent recording in every way. The Kempff is fine but if you love Schubert's works you must look for performers who understand the intimacy of his compositions. Marvelous

Lifeless.......2001-02-16

Brendel plays these pieces as if he's bored to death, especially in the (otherwise) gorgeous first movement of the B-flat Major sonata. Grigory Sokolov, Clifford Curzon, and Artur Schnabel are much more adept at sculpting that piece; Sviatoslav Richter offers a very deliberate but heartfelt approach. For the C Minor and A Major sonatas, try Wilhelm Kempff.

Average customer rating:

Talent and personality!
Beautiful, Solid Schubert
Murray Perahia is a Schubertian the equal of Kempff and Lupu
Schubert for the thinking man
Mature, thoughtful, beautifully-wrought late Schubert

Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D958, 959, 960

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000996FC
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto. Allegro - Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andantino
III. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace - Trio. Un Poco Piu Lento
IV. Rondo. Allegretto

Tracks:

I. Molto Moderato
II. Andante Sostenuto
III. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza
IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Amazon.com

Perahia's up against some heavy competition from the likes of Arrau, Brendel, Pollini, as well as old-timers like Schnabel and Edwin Fischer. Even in such company he acquits himself well, playing with lean sonority that clearly etches Schubert's melodic lines and clarifies the structure of these sprawling works. In the B-flat Sonata he clearly differentiates the basic tempos of the first two movements, which can often blend into each other by pianists who just play them as two slow movements. In the great Andantino movement of the A major, he's alive to its inherent weirdness as Schubert sends a nostalgically beautiful melody off the deep end to fragmentation, then reassembles it into a broken shadow of itself. His approach here is effective, if relatively restrained as he keeps to a generally classical view of works some turn into Romantic extravaganzas. Perahia's is a worthy addition to the Schubert discography and an excellent way to get fine performances of all three of these great works in one well-recorded, neatly space-saving package. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Talent and personality!.......2006-03-27

Murray Perahia together with Van Cliburn may be well considered as the most remarkable exponents of talented generation of named American pianists who blossomed after the WW2, who knew to express with total naturalness and absolute spontaneity the Romantic accords. As you know the technical equipment was perhaps the main virtue, inculcated in his professional career. Toscanini in the orchestral conduction (without forget to Reiner), Heifetz in violin and Horowitz in the piano were the supreme musical Gods and became the last peak, the supreme perfection. If you notice for instance, the visible discontent of Toscanini at the moment to conduct the Adagios, you will agree the terrible and distorted vision that generated in most of musicians in progress. Stravinsky, Prokoviev and Bartok were much more closer for this young generation than Brahms or Beethoven. An impressive cloud of competitiveness surrounded all the possible spaces. From U.R.S.S. came Emil Gilels in the Fifties, a formidable artists but also a cold and analytical pianist, which accented still more this fashion tendency; and those European artists who seemed to be linked interms of the old fashion to play, were not precisely the main guests. And if you consider the fact that Van Cliburn has won the prestigious Tchaikovsky Festival in the extinct U.R.S.S. with that battle horse concert, the idea strengthened even more in the spirit and motivational approaches.

Of course there notable exceptions to rule as Earl Wild, Tureck, Kapell and the frist stage of Watts, but somehow they were in opposite flow. In this sense the merit of Murray Perahia is double, in this sense. He kept and nourished the Romantic tradition, till the time came for him to revitalize in the late Sixties, where the new tendencies were much more open minded.

And with the retirement of Van Cliburn at the middle Seventies from musical stages, Perahia and Wild remained as the last survivors of this tradition: Micahel Ponti decided to live in Europe and Raymond Lewenthal chose Paris after that painful incident with sa smuggler in Central Park.

That is among other virtues fundamental reasons to acquire this album. Perahia breathes and transmits that warmth in every one of his multiple records.

Beautiful, Solid Schubert.......2004-08-27

Murray Perahia has established himself as one of today's most compellingly lyrical pianists. This recording of Schubert's last three piano sonatas is no exception. Perahia, while in possession of a beautiful basic tone, uses his mastery of color to accentuate Schubert's subtle and often somber changes of mood and expression. This in fact is probably Perahia's strong point--that he follows exactly what is written in the score while making a poignant statement rather than blindly following the composer's instructions. He executes extremely well. This also may be a drawback to this set, that it lacks a certain spontaneity. However, this is not extremely dramatic, spontaneous music, and Perahia's style fits it well. He handles the bigger moments in the sonatas well, such as the second movement of the A Major Sonata. He will never be the pianist to go to for the Liszt b minor sonata, but that is fine because Perahia is playing Schubert as opposed to Liszt.

Murray Perahia is a Schubertian the equal of Kempff and Lupu.......2004-03-20

I am a big fan of Murray Perahia. I have quite a number of his recordings in my collection. His recordings of the Schubert Impromptus and this collection of the Posthumous Sonatas are wonderful examples of his art.

His interpretations have the healthy outlook and vibrant life force of Artur Rubinstein; yet have the vision of Artur Schnabel. He really is a perfect pianist. (If there is such a thing).

If your'e reading this Mr. Perahia, please do us all a favor, and give consideration to recording all of the complete Schubert Sonatas. It would be a great set!!!

Schubert for the thinking man.......2003-12-16

The late Schubert sonatas are to the pianist what the Bach Partitas & Sonatas are to the violinist --- works that cannot be approached casually, and which require a certain maturity on the part of the artist. With these recordings, Perahia demonstrates his continuing maturity as an artist in recent years.

Perahia allows the music to unfold on its own accord, something which is crucial for Schubert's late instrumental works. His tempi & dynamics are careful & measured, for he knows exactly what each sonata individually requires. The sometimes extreme dynamics of D959, for example, would be wildly out of place in D960. The 1st movement of D958 requires a very steady pace & crescendi that are gradual but not hurried. It is far too easy to let the tempo & dynamics get the better of the artist, but Perahia clearly has control over this.

Throughout all three sonatas, Perahia's tone is sustained and natural, of the most reflective & thoughtful nature. These performances certainly stand up favorably in comparison to the much-ballyhooed series of Uchida, as well as the classic Brendel recordings. This is a crucial recording for those who want to explore the full complexities & nuances of the late Schubert sonatas.

Mature, thoughtful, beautifully-wrought late Schubert.......2003-11-17

This is the second time that Perahia has recorded the middle of these three late sonatas, the well-loved Sonata in A, D. 959. I bought the 2 CD set primarily to hear what he might have to say some 13 years after the original recording. And I was concerned about his technical assurance after several years of physical problems with his hands. I needn't have worried on that account. If anything this reading is more olympian, more assured, more elegant. Earlier reviewers here have asked for more fire. Not I. I want these sonatas to sound like they were handed down from God--as they may have been, who knows?--and in that Perahia succeeds. Just listen to the final movement, the Rondo, of the A major sonata--the one made familiar to millions in an orchestrated version that was the themesong of the popular US sitcom, 'Wings.' I have never heard such songful playing from anyone--this includes Brendel, Goode, Uchida--which is certainly apt for Schubert, our most inspired writer of song melodies. When I got to that fourth movement I hit the repeat button and played it four times in a row, I was so enthralled. Coupled with that is the elfin leggiero of the movement preceding it--almost Mendelssohnian. This is spectacular playing AND spectacular thinking about this great music.

The less-familiar C minor sonata, D. 958--and it is less familiar because it is just a hairbreadth less heavenly than its successors--has a convincing case made for it by Perahia. He does this by emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the piece--'This is Important Stuff'--by de-emphasizing the corny Alberti-bass recurrences of the accompaniment, using a consistently full but rounded tone, and drawing our attention to the rock-solid formal construction. Hewn from granite, this music.

Many people's favorite Schubert sonata is the final Sonata in B flat major, D. 960. They need not fear that Perahia will distort or underplay its grandeurs. There is a temptation in this sonata to overemphasize the mystery presaged by that ominous low-bass G-flat trill in the opening measures. My own take on that trill, and those that follow it, is that they are primarily harmonic devices, preparing us for the way Schubert takes us far afield. Yes, they are mysterious but they become less and less so, even dying out without a whimper eventually. Perhaps this is a triumph of light over dark? Who knows what Schubert had in mind. As Perahia plays--in unfailingly beautiful tone, be it said--one is not made uneasy by all this, rather one is exalted--by the beauty of the themes, the odd rightness of the unusual harmonies, by the inevitability of the form; the latter is the kind of thing that makes you go 'Of COURSE!' when the form is finally laid out, but it is not easily predicted beforehand. The Andante sostenuto is, to my mind, the most Beethovenian of Schubert's slow movements, and it is given that kind of solemnity and substance by Perahia. The Scherzo that follows comes as an emotional relief from the seriousness of the Andante; Perahia is not often considered to be much of a jokester, but he makes this movement chuckle. The closing Rondo is played with a straight-face, but occasionally hears Perahia (and, of course, Schubert) smiling. And most of all, it dances. An unusually satisfying traversal.

I have liked Brendel's recordings, also Uchida's and Goode's. But at least for now these by Perahia are my favorites.

This 2 CD set has about 112 minutes of music--roughly the amount one would get these days on 1 1/2 CDs--and the price reflects that; that is, one pays about 1 1/2 times what one would pay for one full-price CD. One last word: the booklet notes by Charles Fisk are elegantly written and more informative than most.

Recommended without reservations.

Scott Morrison

Schubert: Piano Sonatas D.960 & 664, Moments Musicaux D.780, Impromptus D.899
Average customer rating:

The non-pareil!

Great recordings

Amazing recording

Schubert: Piano Sonatas D.960 & 664, Moments Musicaux D.780, Impromptus D.899
Wilhelm Kempff
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000024575
Release Date: 1998-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Molto Moderato
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Andante Sostenuto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Scherzo- Allegro Vivace
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.1 In C Major- Moderato
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.2 In A Flat Major- Andantino
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.3 In F Minor- Allegro Moderato
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.4 In C Sharp Minor- Moderato
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.5 In F Minor- Allegro Vivace
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.6 In A Flat Major- Allegretto
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.1 In C Minor- Allegro Molto Moderato
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.2 In E Flat Major- Allegro
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.3 In G Flat Major- Andante
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.4 In A Flat Major- Allegretto
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.1 In F Minor- Allegro Moderato
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.2 In A Flat Major- Allegretto
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.3 In B Flat Major- Theme With Variations- Andante - Var. I-
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.4 In F Minor- Allegro Scherzando
Piano Sonata In A Major, D 664 (Op.Post.120) - Allegro Moderato
Piano Sonata In A Major, D 664 (Op.Post.120) - Andante
Piano Sonata In A Major, D 664 (Op.Post.120) - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The non-pareil!.......2006-01-30

I heard Kempff play the great Schubert B-flat sonata when I was a schoolboy, and to this day, many years later, I've never heard anyone catch the heart-breaking, valedictory lyricism of that first movement in quite that way. To my mind--and fingers--the rather slow tempo that others have noticed is absolutely right. Then the figure-work is so delicate! And no-one, in my longish experience, no-one, has ever played the scherzo with such sweet, rippling grace. The impromptus are beautifully played, too, especially the first one of the second set. What a player Kempff was! And what a great age of music-making he lived in: such nobility of approach and understanding.

Great recordings.......2005-07-18

These selections of Schubert are among the best the composer can offer, and we also have Kempff performing them, so it's a double deal. In D.960 Kempff finds such a calmness interrupted by bursts of tension and passion. It is slower that others saved only by Richter and Arrau, but it never gets boring or feels dragged. Kempff's sense of phrasing here is marvellous.

The shorter pieces (impromptus and moment musicaux) are nicely done. While you can feel they all belong to sets, Kempff also creates a sense of individuality for each piece.

On the whole, I should say this is a very good introduction to Schubert and also a good item for Kempff fans such as myself. The sould is also very good for the time of the recording.

Amazing recording.......2003-09-06

This is clearly one of the best D960 I have heard. The other pieces are also beautiful. Kempff has almost no peer in this repertoire. The first movement of the D960 is played slower than most pianists I have heard(except Richter), leading to a veiled tension that pervades the omnipresent Schubert lyricism. Faster tempos end up making the music sound perky.Kempff achieves amazing effect in the other three movements too. The D664 is also exceptional. A CD truely worth owning.

PS. In a related development, my Pollini CD of the same music is up for sale..!!

Music Review: