Franz Schubert: Sonata in D Major, D 850 "Gastein; 34 Valses Sentimentales D 779

On this CD:

1. Valses Sentimentales (34) for piano, D. 779 (Op. 50)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Nikolaus Lahusen

2. Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major ("Gasteiner"), D. 850 (Op. 53)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Nikolaus Lahusen

3. Hungarian Melody for piano in B minor (Ungarische Melodie), D. 817
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Nikolaus Lahusen

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.

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.

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Days and Evenings with Schubert and Uchida

Mitsuko Uchida Plays Schubert

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas
Mozart: The Piano Concertos
"Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111"
Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos
Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin

ASIN: B000654OUG
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-05-15

Schubert was a phenomenal composer. This set of CD's is now one of my most treasured possessions. His last sonata is almost 45 min long, an epic peice. Not for one second does Uchida's playing slow; she holds you completely engrossed in music so beautiful.

The sound quality is superb, the playing dense in personality and detail. As the previous reviewer mentioned, anyone interested in the piano, Uchida or Schubert this is a must have masterpeice.

Days and Evenings with Schubert and Uchida.......2006-01-31

Mitsuko Uchida is one of the major stars of the piano keyboard today and while her repertoire is wide, her interpretation of Franz Schubert's piano music is among the finest both on the concert stage and on recording. The two seem to be from the same soul: Uchida somehow finds the spiritual core of Schubert and traverses the hurdles of his Olympian pieces with complete ease and assurance.

This 8 CD set includes three sets of Impromptus (D899, 935, 946), Moments musicaux D780, German Dances D 820 an D790, and the Piano Sonatas numbers 4, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The placing of these works on the individual CDs creates a series of eight recitals and each disc is rich and satisfying. Playing all eight CDs in one day makes for one of the most rewarding musical experiences available.

The recorded sound is superb and Uchida is in top form for each selection. This is fine as Schubert gets and the entire set is more than well worth the relatively modest price. For lovers of the piano, of Mitsuko Uchida, and of Schubert this is zenith release. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

Schubert: Piano Sonata in D, D850 & Lieder; Leif Ove Andsnes/Ian Bostridge; 9 Lieder

Average customer rating:

Andsnes wonderful, Bostridge another matter
Do I actually like Schubert?!
An absolute delight

Schubert: Piano Sonata in D, D850 & Lieder; Leif Ove Andsnes/Ian Bostridge; 9 Lieder
Leif Ove Andsnes , Ian Bostridge , and Franz Schubert
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat, D960; Lieder
Horizons - Leif Ove Andsnes
Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 1 · Three Intermezzi / Andsnes · Birmingham SO · Rattle
Schubert: Piano Sonata in A, Lieder
Songs by Mahler, Handel & Peter Lieberson

ASIN: B00008UVC7
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Con Moto
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Trio
IV. Rondo: Allegro Moderato
Der Liebliche Stern D861
Tiefes Leid D876
Auf Der Bruck D853
Der Wanderer D649
Fulle Der Liebe D854
Wiedersehn D855
Vom Mitleiden Maria D632
Im Walde D708
Der Schmetterling D633

Amazon.com

This is the second CD devoted to both Schubert's piano music and a few songs featuring Leif Ove Andsnes and tenor Ian Bostridge as the soloists. The sonata, composed in 1825 while Schubert was on vacation with a baritone friend, is a delight: the big, 37-minute work shows the composer at his sunniest, with a bouncy opening movement, a relaxed, warm second, a scherzo which seems to flow effortlessly and is featherweight, and a finale which contains some melodrama, a bit of gorgeous tunefulness, and a genuinely peaceful closing. Andsnes plays it without looking for trouble, with the presumption that Schubert's visit to the Austrian countryside was totally relaxing and filled with the wonders of nature. It's just lovely. The songs, for the most part, have to do with nature as well: riding a horse (the thrilling "Auf der Bruck," with its leaping piano part), the stars in the heavens, the joy of being a wanderer in the moonlight, the rushing of the wind (also featuring a virtuoso piano part). Some however are heavier in theme (Mary's suffering at the sight of Jesus on the cross, the fickleness of the world). All are interesting, and Bostridge, although he sometimes articulates too self-consciously, is never less than a fine story-teller, singing with his usual unique, finely honed, narrow tone. A very special, very enjoyable CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Andsnes wonderful, Bostridge another matter.......2007-01-31

I have only listened to the album partially, but I found myself aggravated by Bostridge's performance to the point where I had to give vent to my frustration. First Andsnes: I have heard several of his recordings of Schubert and all are remarkable, I would even say revelatory. The sound quality and tonal character of his playing, helped by a great recording and, I assume, an extremely fine piano, add to the effect. But Bostridge's over-emoting and affectation has reached the point where it has become annoying. That said, I would add that Andsnes's accompaniments are as worth hearing as his solo work. I would recommend any Schubert by Andsnes on the basis of the several recordings I have, and if one has to put up with Bostridge, well - it's not a perfect world.

Do I actually like Schubert?!.......2005-09-13

After years of listening to humdrum recordings of Schubert's piano music, I had convinced myself that I didn't like his music. Then came Leif Ove and my mind was forever changed. There are different voices in this sonata, not just bland chords, whee! Tension hums in the opening bars of the first movement and the scherzo really is just that, a light-hearted jokishness pervading its first few measures. The dynamic contrasts are amazingly rendered by the recording. I think there is real joy in this music, or at least as Leif Ove plays it. He gives it energy, freshness, youth.

Not being a particular fan of lieder (Winterreise and Schumann's Liederkreis being the exceptions), I have little to say about the 9 included here. Ian's voice is, as always, superb and smooth, but I just don't really like these songs. Still, I can deal with them in small doses, so why complain? This CD was more than worth my money!

An absolute delight.......2005-02-02

Leif Ove Andsnes has become one of the most outstanding pianists of his (or any) generation. He has technique to burn, that can range from extreme delicacy and precise articulation to thundering power. This range of techniques and moods suits him well for Schubert. The D major Sonata dates from a vacation Schubert took in 1825, the same time he was drafting the so-called "Great" C major Symphony. Andsnes catches every change of mood, every emotional and lyrical nuance, with precision, wit and poetry. He's then joined by Ian Bostridge for some of Schubert's songs. I recently heard him play the sonata live, and doubted the recording could live up to what he brought to the piece in performance. But the recording is every bit as swell as the concert I heard. If you like Schubert, you'll want to hear this.

Average customer rating:

Fine Recording of These Two Schubert Piano Sonatas But......
Banging
Somewhat studied but always musical Schubert
Over interpreted Schubert

Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D850 & D784

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sonatas / German Dances
Schubert: Piano Sonata D. 960/3 Klavierstücke D. 946
Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

ASIN: B00004TJUU
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In D Major, D850: I. Allegro (vivace)
Piano Sonata In D Major, D850: II. Con moto
Piano Sonata In D Major, D850: III. Allegro vivace - Trio
Piano Sonata In D Major, D850: IV. Rondo: Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata In A Minor, D784: I. Allegro giusto
Piano Sonata In A Minor, D784: II. Andante
Piano Sonata In A Minor, D784: III. Allegro vivace

Amazon.com

As Japanese pianist Mitsuko Uchida continues her traversal of Schubert, we've been privileged to observe a kind of dual evolution: not only that of the composer, but the accumulated insights of a performer tapping into her by-now exquisitely rare empathy. Some of the most intriguing results have centered on those flashes of the composer's early maturity from the mid-1820s (as in the Piano Sonatas D. 845 and D. 575), revealing what a wealth of musical innovation and variety Schubert had already explored before the highly revered last trio of sonatas: those in C Minor and A and, of course, the crowning B-flat.

Uchida--performing on an exceptionally responsive 1962 Steinway--detonates the bold, high-spirited opening bars of the extroverted Sonata in D (D. 850) with an exuberance of vitality that will make you gasp. It will also lock your attention as you buckle up for the rest of the journey. Uchida is especially at home in those moments when the music seems to float above the patterns it has just created and enter an altogether new region (the final reprise of the stunningly syncopated contrasting material in the slow movement or the trio of the third). While the technique may not be completely flawless, Uchida's execution of musical thought constantly disarms and captivates: whether in its sensitivity to harmonic color or--particularly noticeable in these accounts--in its deft awareness of Schubert's rhythmic complexity and play. The programming also allows for dramatic contrast, with the disjunctive pain of the A Minor Sonata undoing all the extroverted effusion that has gone before; the disc seems to retrace, on a grander scale, the archetypally Schubertian chiaroscuro. With Uchida, every bar becomes a South Sea of discovery--however leisurely Schubert's own meanderings, these are pieces you wish not to end. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Fine Recording of These Two Schubert Piano Sonatas But.............2006-12-28

Much to my amazement, Philips recorded this fine CD in the great hall of Vienna's Musikverein, offering some of the best, most realistic, sound I have heard for a recent classical piano recording. But this superb sound quality may not be a primary reason for those interested in acquiring this CD, which is, in of itself, an interesting study in contrasts between Schubert's most exuberant piano sonata (D major, D850) and most austere (A minor, D784). Distinguished pianist Mitsuko Uchida offers two compelling performances, especially of the D major sonata, which should be of interest to both her fans as well as passionate - and knowledgeable - students of Schubert's piano sonatas. But her performances will be infuriating to some listeners, since she tends to dramatize a bit too much, the accents present in Schubert's scores, especially in the D major sonata (Having heard both Alfred Brendel and Paul Badura-Skoda perform this sonata live in concert, I will note that I have more of a preference for their lyrical interpretations, which are quite dissimilar from each other, and yet, in their own distinctive ways, quite compelling.). Still, I hope that others will agree with me that Uchida has offered her own, thoughtful, interpretations of each score, which should be considered as noteworthy as those I've heard live or in recordings from Brendel, Badura-Skoda and the late, great Wilhelm Kempff. So I will concur with others, most notably the Penguin Guide, that this fine recording should not be regarded as a definitive recording of either sonata; however, it is one well worth listening.

Banging.......2006-09-20

I like Ms. Uchida's work, especially her Mozart piano concerti, and I like Schubert and I thought this a safe bet but I couldn't get through it. In the first movement of D850, it seemed as though Schubert had written repeated accented chords and then filled in the interstices with scrimshaw, and with scrimshaw a bit unsure of itself at that. I was alway brought up short, thinking that we ought to get somewhere with this, but we didn't. It went on, more banging, more noodling, and more banging, until I ejected the disk and gave it away. Schubert doesn't normally require patience. If you want to live to be 150 in subjective time, try Philip Glass or that patience-trying "Bolero."

Out of respect for Schubert, whom I don't know as well as some of the oher great Teutonic composers, I'll look around for another version. Perhaps it takes just the right pianist, like Liszt's "Mephisto Waltz."

Somewhat studied but always musical Schubert.......2006-05-10

If this entire CD recital of two great Schubert piano sonatas were as good as the opening Allegro of D. 850, Uchida would have made one of the best Schubert recordings in a long time. In that movement she shows none of her all-too-characteristic self-consciousness, giving a whirlwind reading full of natural brio. But as the outer movements progress, she does fall into her studied manner, and the second sonata, D. 784, could use a good deal more vigor and less holding back for the sake of extra nuance. Despite this, there is no doubt that Uchida is remarkably musical. I intend to enjoy this CD one sonata at a time, which seems to be the best way to apreciate her fine-grained approach without growing tired of it.

Over interpreted Schubert.......2005-01-26

This is my first time hearing Mitsuko Uchida playing Schubert sonatas.

I've been fortunate to hear a number of fine recorded performances of Schubert Piano Sonatas including pianists Wilhelm Kempff, Sviatoslav Richter, Alfred Brendel, Murray Perahia, Artur Schnabel, Artur Rubinstein, Stephen Hough and, in concert, Leon Fleisher and Seymour Lipkin. To me, Schubert, above all, should sing.

Mitsuko Uchida over-interprets, over dramatizes Schubert, at least in these sonatas, to their detriment. She is so involved in "interpreting" Schubert that she seems to lose the overall picture. The music tends to fall apart. Schubert's piano sonatas, which can appear long winded, lose their overall flow as Uchida plays them. Her emphasis on overly strong, sharply accented phrasing, to me, is sometimes misplaced: It robs the music of its essential song, poetry and coherence. One becomes aware, first and foremost, of Uchida and her efforts "to beautify what is already beautiful", as the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs puts it, and secondly to Schubert.

Far better, in both sonatas, is Richter or Kempff whose approach emphasizes the songfulness, poetry and overall structure of this music. For example, listen to how Richter (Living Stage) and Kempff (Deutsche Gramophon) shape the second movement of the D Major Sonata, how they bring out the subtle melodic contrasts and poetry in the movement, versus how Uchida's sudden, overly strong, accented chords seem jarring, break the songfulness and contrasting lyricism of the movement, lose the movement's overall architecture, in a seeming attempt to bring out the beauty that is already in the music.

The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs writes of this particular Schubert/ Uchida recording, "{r}ecommended without qualification to Ms. Uchida's admirers, but with caution to others."

Superb realistic, digital recorded sound.

Average customer rating:

One of the best of the Masterworks series
Will not buy this
Worth it!
Great way to jumpstart a schubert collection
Better to Pick a Few First-rate Performances

Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJC
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

One of the best of the Masterworks series.......2007-07-06

Brilliant Classics' "Masterworks" series, if you can get them cheaply (and currently they go for about $1/CD from Amazon's France Web site), are a great way to amass a significant library of the works of several great computers. The production values and the performances themselves are uneven, and the interpretations are not always historically-informed (unlike the bulk of Brilliant's "Complete Editions" of the works of Bach and Mozart). But there are numerous gems in the rough in The Masterworks, and the economic value is unsurpassed, even if you were to throw away half of the CDs in each set.

You're unlikely to throw away much of this Schubert collection though. This seems to be the finest of the Masterworks sets, with a succession of solid, often first-rate performances of most of the major Schubert works. Here's what you get:

- The symphonies, performed by The Hanover Band in a historically-informed style. Very interesting performances perhaps marred by an odd recording balance that makes the woodwinds sound distant. Takes up four CDs
- The six Latin masses. Also the Deutsche Messe in the version with wind instruments. Five CDs in all
- Edison Denisov's completion of Schubert's unfinished dramatic work Lazarus (2 CDs, Helmuth Rilling's premier recording)
- The last four string quartets (including the Quartettsatz) with #9 thrown in. Also the octet, piano quintet ("The Trout"), string quintet and both piano trios. In short all the canonical chamber works. Performances are strong, and well recorded
- Two CDs of violin/piano duets, including Op. 137 and Op. 162
- 19 of the 21 "canonical" piano sonatas (missing #7 and #12) as well as the Moments Musicaux, Impromptus, German Dances, Wanderer Fantasy and several other piano works, 11 CDs in all. As with the chamber music, the performances and recordings are strong, often stunning
- Two CDs of piano duets, including the Divertissements and D. 617
- Song cycles: Die Schöne Müllerin, Winterreise, Schwanengesang, and four CDs of standalone songs, including such "standards" as Erlkönig and Gretchen am Spinnrade. The singers are a bit uneven here, ranging from standouts Robert Holl, Deitrich Fischer-Dieskau and John Shirley-Quirk to the somewhat shrill Arleen Augér

Missing from the collection is Rosamunde, and a number of famous songs: Die Forelle (The Trout), Death and the Maiden, Ellens Gesang III (the so-called Ave Maria, D. 839), Der Hirt auf dem Felsen and Der Wanderer. But you do have almost all the important instrumental works, and most of the vocal works generally considered to be essential, with some padding added in the form of minor works such as the parochial Deutsche Messe, the German Dances, and the modernist-informed completion of Lazarus by the 20th Century Russian composer Denisov.

As with the other Masterworks sets, there are no program notes. You'll need to do your own research. Answers.com is a good starting point for Schubert compositions. There are also no song texts or translations provided, so again you'll need to track down your own. Try "The Lied and Art Song Texts Page" for lieder lyrics and translations. Hunt down a good price on this collection, browsing one of Amazon's European sites if necessary, and treat yourself to many hours of lovely music for the cost of a modest night out.

Will not buy this.......2007-03-16

I can't see D965 or D945 on this 40 disks worth of Schubert. Bizarre! There are so many great songs missing it scares me.

Worth it!.......2006-12-19

One of the best in "The Masterpices" series. Many of the discs (the symphonies in particular) were licensed from Nimbus and other full-line labels. Not all that long ago these discs would have set you back $18 to $20 a piece. That said, I still wouldn't part with my Hyperion collection. 40 CD's at this price... you can't go wrong.

Great way to jumpstart a schubert collection.......2006-12-19

Hartmut Holl, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Stephanie Brown, and Jaime Laredo as well as the Stuttgart Bach Collegium performing Schubert are hardly "left-behind artists and ensembles" as the previous naysayer states. These are licensed from major label releases and from the original masters issued at a bargain price, especially for the number of discs you get. Sound quality ranges from good to excellent. Good for all Schubertians and anyone who wants to jumpstart a Schubert collection.

Better to Pick a Few First-rate Performances.......2006-11-14

This is a bargain in dollar/listening time ratio, but who cares? There are many second-rate performances by left-behind artists and ensembles. Obviously the economics of resurrecting disks that don't require royalties has been the driving factor of selection. (On the other hand, the complete edition boxed sets of Bach and Mozart, which you'll find if you look, are stupendous successes artistically.)

Schubert: Piano Sonata in D major, D. 850, Op. 53; Piano Sonata in E-flat Major, D. 568, Op. 122

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Piano Sonata in D major, D. 850, Op. 53; Piano Sonata in E-flat Major, D. 568, Op. 122

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009KYR
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

Pno Son in D, Op.53: Allegro Vivace
Pno Son in D, Op.53: Con Moto
Pno Son in D, Op.53: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
Pno Son in D, Op.53: Rondo: Allegro Moderato
Pno Son in E flat, Op.122: Allegro Moderato
Pno Son in E flat, Op.122: Andante Molto
Pno Son in E flat, Op.122: Menuetto: Allegretto
Pno Son in E flat, Op.122: Allegro Moderato

Franz Schubert: Sonata in D,D.850, Op.53/Franz Liszt: Sonata in B Minor

Average customer rating:

Gilels and the Liszt b minor
In Gilel's hands, these works attain masterpiece stature.

Franz Schubert: Sonata in D,D.850, Op.53/Franz Liszt: Sonata in B Minor

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003FG9
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

Son in D, D.850/Op.53: Allegro Vivace
Son in D, D.850/Op.53: Con Moto
Son in D, D.850/Op.53: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
Son in D, D.850/Op.53: Rondo: Allegro Moderato
Son in b: Lento Assai; Allegro Energico
Son in b: Andante Sostenuto
Son in b: Allegro Energico
Son in b: Andante Sostenuto

Customer Reviews:

Gilels and the Liszt b minor.......2007-03-13

I had the privilage of sitting onstage (overflow) in Chicagos orchestra hall in the late sixties when Gilels performed the Liszt sonata and then the Extreme Privilage of 6 master lessons with him on (yep! the b minor Liszt) to up my own performance in recitals and international competitions. well we all know about the 6 Heavyweights who play it but what about Gilels? Hes in a league of his own! He follows the Peters ed. He makes it big,powerful, but most of all plays with his heart open and always with reserve! A TRUE GEMSTONE! And of course the Schubert sings ever as well! When I hear this CD I know Mr. gilels is still with us! For eternity! Dr.Robert Balaban

In Gilel's hands, these works attain masterpiece stature........2001-07-08

The regions of Eastern Europe we used to called Russia have produced some phenomenal pianists. One such was Emil Gilels. Investigate a recent "Great Pianist of the Twentieth Century" issue on 100 double CDs and you'll find three double CDs devoted to him.

Of his now legendary recorded performances not included in that marathon issue, this CD comprises Schubert and Liszt sonatas he recorded in New York in 1960 and 1964. To the Schubert Sonata he brings a sturdy energy in the first movement, a controlled sense of repose in the second, a playfulness to the outer sections of the Scherzo, and a jauntiness to the Rondo movement.

If this performance raises the stature of the Schubert Sonata in your estimation, then you'll possibly come to regard the Liszt Sonata as a masterpiece once you have listened to Gilel's poetic, dazzling performance, the second work on this CD.

A slight dissatisfaction with the sound quality denies this CD of a possible five star rating. Even by 1960s standards, the piano sound lacks immediacy. Dynamic extremes have been reduced, especially in the Liszt recording. I confirmed this by unearthing versions by Schnabel (Schubert) and Horowitz (Liszt), recorded many years earlier in the 1930s, and heard greater dynamic contrasts.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent introduction to Clifford Curzon's art.......2003-06-15

This box of 4 CDs groups some of the familiar and less familiar recordings (1949-1964) of the acclaimed English pianist Clifford Curzon (1907-1982).
Curzon was considered as one of the greatest interpreters of Mozart and Schubert of his time and this box proves, if anything, this tag has stood the test of time.
Disc #2 has his well-known recordings of Schubert's 4 Impromptus D. 935 (from 1952) and the Sonata in D major D. 850 (from 1964). The Sonata especially is a marvel of profundity and sensitivity, and should figure in any serious Schubert collection.
The revelation of this box is however disc #4 with never before released recordings of Mozart's Piano concerto #23 and #27, dating from 1964 with the Wiener Philharmoniker under George Szell. (Curzon, the perfectionist never wanted these recordings to be released, yet since his death his family have finally given the green light.) Both concerti are outstanding readings.
Disc #1 is arguably the least attractive of the set with early recordings of Beethoven's "Emperor" concerto (with the London Philharmonic under Szell, from 1949) and of Tchaikovsky's 1st (with the New Symphony Orchestra, under Szell, from 1950). The "Emperor" is fine enough, but the somewhat poor sound quality is a letdown (and Curzon re-recorded the work on several occasions), while in the Tchaikovsky he doesn't really nail it to my mind and the rapport with Szell isn't always there.
Disc #3 on the other hand assembles Curzon's familiar recordings of Franck's "Symphonic Variations", Litolff's "Scherzo" (with the London Philharmonic under Boult, from 1955/58), De Falla's "Noches" (with the New Symphony Orchestra under Jorda, from 1951) and Alan Rawsthorne's Piano Concerto #2 (with the London Symphony Orchestra under Sargent, 1951). All have been released before under various guises yet have acquired classic status and especially the intense reading of the De Falla is not to be missed.

The artwork of this new Decca "Original Masters" series (which always seems to come in "limited editions") is agreeable, but the recording dates given are not always accurate. This issue will probably disappoint collectors of Clifford Curzon's recordings, as there is just one disc with novelties, but for those music lovers who still need to discover the art of the great London pianist, this box is just the right thing.

Brilliant Recordings Rescued From The Vaults.......2003-06-08

Now that Decca and Deutsche Grammophon, among others, are all part of Universal, we have seen some interesting things happen, and not all of them bad. What I'm referring to in this case is the new "Original Masters" Limited Edition Box Set series. Finally, the classical music world has taken a page out of the jazz reissue handbook -- put out a quality product featuring rare recordings but make its availability limited, and people will snatch it up. In the "Original Masters" series, first DG and now Decca have each reissued five box sets, of 4 to 7 CDs each, in distinguished, space-saving slim paper boxes, though the style of packaging is different. The DG sets feature 50s style graphics design on their covers, while the Decca ones have a distinctive rainbow/spectrum pattern on the spines and banners, and a black-and-white photo of the artist in question on the face of the box.

This particular set features rare Decca recordings of the great pianist Clifford Curzon from 1949-64. The set is subtitled "Volume 1" which I presume (and hope) means there will be another box set forthcoming! As the track information is non-existent above, I will try to be of assistance. The first disc contains Beethoven's "Emporer" Concerto with George Szell and the London Philharmonic (LPO) from 1949, and Tchaikovsky's 1st Concerto also with Szell, but with the New Symphony Orchestra (NSO), from 1950. Disc two is all Schubert Piano Works -- the Four Impromptus, D935 (1952) and Piano Sonata in D Major, D850 (1964). Disc three offers less standard fare with Franck's Symphonic Variations and Litolff's Scherzo (both with Sir Adrian Boult and LPO from 1958, though see below about the date), Falla's Nights in the Gardens of Spain (Enrique Jorda/NSO, 1951), and Rawsthorne's PC No. 2 (Sargent/LSO, 1952). CD Four returns to the standard repertoire with Mozart's Piano Concertos Nos. 23 & 27 with Szell and the Vienna Philharmonic from 1964.

The album information indicates that this is the first ever release of the Schubert Sonata, Franck, Litolff, and Mozart PC 27. I was a bit confused by this in terms of the Franck and Litolff pieces because I already have Curzon and Boult performing them on a Decca Legends CD that features Curzon playing the Brahms PC No. 1 with Szell. After re-reading the liner notes to the Decca Legends disc, I discovered that Curzon, Boult and the LPO recorded the Franck and Litolff pieces twice, in 1955 and in 1958, and that Curzon approved the '55 Franck and the '58 Litolff for release. That answers my question as to the Franck, but both this set and the Decca Legends disc indicate the Litolff is from 1958, so there must be a typo somewhere. I tried to compare both versions, but to my ears they were indistinguishable (boy, I thought jazz alternate takes were tough!). Regardless, this is a terrific set, and I guess the consolidation of the music industry isn't so bad after all, as long they don't forget about Volume 2!

Average customer rating:

*cough* Focus on the music
Appalling!!
Piano King with his throat-clearing Population
Excellent slice of Richter's repertoire

Sviatoslav Richter: In Memoriam

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Sofia Recital 1958
BBC Friends: Richter (Great Performers of the Twentieth Century)
Richter Rediscovered
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier
Schumann: Piano Concerto / Sviatoslav Richter

ASIN: B000001GZZ
Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

The Well-tempered Clavier: Prelude & Fugue In C Major BWV 846
The Well-tempered Clavier: Prelude & Fugue In C Sharp Minor BWV 849
The Well-tempered Clavier: Prelude & Fugue In D Minor BWV 851
The Well-tempered Clavier: Prelude & Fugue In D Minor BWV
The Well-tempered Clavier: Prelude In E Flat Minor & Fugue In D Sharp Minor BWV 853
Sonata In G Minor Hob. XVI: 44: 1. Moderato
Sonata In G Minor Hob. XVI: 44: 2. Allegretto
Ballade No. 3 In A Flat Major Op. 47: Allegretto
Ballade No. 4 In F Minor Op. 52: Andante con moto
Polonaise-Fantaisie In A Flat Major Op. 61: Allegro Maestoso

Tracks:

Etude in C Major op. 10 no 1: Allegro
Etude in C minoir op. 10 no 12: Allegro con fuoco
Allegretto in C minor D 915
from 17 Landler D366
Theme And Variations On The Name Abegg Op. 1: Thema: Animato - Var. I - III
Estampes: I. Pagodes: Moderement anime
Estampes: II. La Soiree dans Grenade: Mouvement de Habanera
Estampes: III. Jardins sous la pluie: Net et vif
Preludes pour piano. Book 1: Voiles: Modere
Preludes pour piano. Book 1: La vent dans la plaine: Anime
Preludes pour piano. Book 1: Les collines d'Anacapri: Tres modere
Preludes: No. 3 in B flat major op. 23 no. 2
Preludes: No. 5 in D major op. 23 no. 4
Preludes: No. 6 in G minor op. 23 no. 5
Preludes: No. 8 in C minor op. 23 no. 7
Preludes: No. 12 in C major op. 32 no. 1
Preludes: No. 13 in B flat minor op. 32 no. 2
Preludes: No. 23 in G sharp minor op. 32 no. 12
Visions fugitives op. 22: No. 3: Allegretto
Visions fugitives op. 22: No. 6: Con eleganza
Visions fugitives op. 22: No. 9: Allegretto tranquillo

Customer Reviews:

*cough* Focus on the music.......2006-05-13

Richter's live perfomances interest me far more than his studio recordings (and thankfully, outnumber them)!

What pianist today would dare attempt some of the feats Richter considers "essential" to every live performance. A pianist myself, I have been enamored with Richter since first hearing a recording of his. I remember literally standing in front of the CD player knowing that this man was one of the best. I stood there for about an hour, just listening...I couldn't move!
I now own nearly all of his recordings, and consider them my finest discs.

I have seen many top pianists live...Phillippe Entremont, Jean-Yves Thib., Andre Watts, Leon Fleischer, Murray Perahia...to name a few. Undoubtedly, they are all 'good pianists'.

Richter is an exceptional pianist. He, along with Michelangeli, Cziffra, and a select few others, captivate me.

4th Chopin Ballade is evidence enough...every other interpretation I've heard is...well...subdued, not melodic enough, and the coda always to slow!! Not so with Richter. And Richter's Bach? Amazing. Correct tempo, beautiful voicing; he manages to blend the all too ignored melodic/ romantic side of Bach with the maestro's perfect compositional structure. If you really want a treat...even if you're not a huge "Bach" listener, I highly, highly recommend the CD "Out of Later Year, Vol. 6" w/ Sviatoslav Richter. The French Overture is downright remarkable (the composition and performance equal each other)!

Yes, this recording has coughing on it; yes, people clear their throat; and yes, the recording quality is sub-par by todays dolby xx.xx standards.

In all honesty, I never noticed one cough, cleared throat, or bit of "hiss" until someone pointed it out to me.
Let Richter play for you; trust me, you'll stop hearing the coughs if you listen to the music.

Appalling!!.......2005-12-07

I'd have ranked this cd with 5 stars since Richter has a very good technique in controlling the sound of the keys he's playing but the audience had to ruin everything by coughing and clearing throats. I mean what's up with that? Eventhough i tried my very best to drain those sounds away, i still hear them. Is it my ears or what? If only i could filter those sounds. I wonder if there's another cd that has the same contents but with no sounds from the audience clearing throats.
(...)Thanks

Piano King with his throat-clearing Population.......2003-01-25

Richter's mastery of tonal landscaping and musical insights are highly visible in this album. Bach's Preludes and Fugues are the best sounding Bach I've ever heard. Everything is going great until of course the audience began to clear their throats, not just for a second, a minute or two. The disturbing devilish coughing lied in the background for the entire recording as if someone was planted to sabotage the whole recording. This is no fun!

Excellent slice of Richter's repertoire.......2000-08-31

This CD is a wonderful collection of one of the greatest pianists ever. The recording contains many tracks of Richter at his best, especially Chopin's Ballade #3. The only reason I give this CD 4 stars instead of 5 is because some tracks are live recordings in which you can hear the audience shuffling and coughing in the background.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Audio = Energy

Handel: Psaume 112 "Laudate Pueri" & 127 "Nisi Dominus" / Salve Regina (Psalms 112 & 127)

Album Review: 10 Hungarian Dances / 5 Piano Studies

Music: Buddha Sunrise

Music music-60

Funkdafied [Explicit Lyrics]

electronicspartner.com Music Review: Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies (DVD Audio)

Good Song [CD-single]

Grapes

Guitar & Flamenco

Goodnight Lovers - Australia [CD-single] [Import]

Impaciencia [Import]

I'm Bout It [Explicit Lyrics] [Soundtrack]

2,666 Miles

One