Franz Schubert (1797-1828): Sonatas & Impromptus (2 CD-Set)
Andras Schiff (Franz Brodmann Fortepiano, Wien ca 1820)
Works:
CD 1:
4 Impromptus, Op.90, D.899
Piano Sonata No.19 in C minor, D.958
CD 2:
Piano Sonata No.20 in A, D.959

In the latest chapter in András Schiff’s ongoing documentation of Franz Schubert’s music, the great pianist plays the Four Impromptus D 899, and compositions from 1828, the last year of Schubert’s too brief life: The Three Pieces D 946 (“impromptus in all but name” notes Misha Donat in the CD booklet), the C minor Sonata D 958 and the A major Sonata D 959. Schiff again chooses to use his fortepiano made by Franz Brodmann in Vienna, around 1820. “It is to me ideally suited to Schubert’s keyboard works,” he has said. There is something quintessentially Viennese in its timbre, its tender mellowness, its melancholic cantabilità.” Critics have agreed, unanimous also in their praise of Schiff’s interpretations: “I cannot think of anyone of his calibre who has mastered the fortepiano as well as the modern piano and shown such distinction on both,” wrote Stephen Plaistow in an Editor’s Choice review in Gramophone. “In Schubert Schiff has a claim to be considered sovereign among today’s players, carrying forward the reading and interpretation of him into areas that others have not fully explored.”
Released 2019.

Reviews:
»Der ganze Zauber der unterschiedlichen Register des Brodmann offenbart sich in den modulatorisch so abenteuerlich schweifenden Durchführungen beider Kopfsätze. Transparent ohne Trockenheit, nachdrücklich akzentuierend und doch warm im Ton – hier betritt Schiff eine zauberhafte, verlorene Klangwelt.« (Stereo, Juli 2019)

»In den überragenden Aufnahmen geht einem Schuberts Musik näher als je zuvor.« (stereoplay, Juli 2019)