Schubert: Piano Sonatas D 959 And 960

This is the legendary Polish pianist’s first solo album for Deutsche Grammophon in over twenty-five years, set to take its place among the great Schubert recordings. Recorded at the Kashiwazaki City Performing Arts Centre in Japan in January 2016, there are revelatory readings of Piano Sonatas D959 & D960, Schubert’s last major compositions for the piano before his death at the age of 31. These were two eternal masterworks performed intensely by Krystian over the last few years to highest critical acclaim. “From the bold chords that launch Schubert's A major Sonata, D959, we were plunged into a world in which the piano shed its percussive qualities and transformed itself into a symphony orchestra . . . [Zimerman's] range, from sweepingly rich textures to pinpoint staccato, had the audience rapt. In the slow movement, Zimerman imbued the transition from ice to fire with an almost visionary fervour, while the finale was full of subtle voicings . .. . . [in Schubert's Sonata D960, Zimerman's] clear-sighted yet fervent traversal of the sonata's landscape made for a compelling journey. A whirring, spectral scherzo and a finale of true symphonic sweep set the seal on a remarkable evening.” Concert review at Royal Festival Hall London, Harriet Smith, Financial Times (London), 28 Apr 2016

Tracks

1~1~Piano Sonata No. 20 In A Major, D. 959: I. Allegro (A Major)
1~2~Piano Sonata No. 20 In A Major, D. 959: Ii. Andantino (F? Minor)
1~3~Piano Sonata No. 20 In A Major, D. 959: Iii. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace (A Major)
1~4~Piano Sonata No. 20 In A Major, D. 959: Iv. Rondo. Allegretto (A Major)
1~5~Piano Sonata No. 21 In B-Flat Major, D. 960: I. Molto Moderato (B? Major)
1~6~Piano Sonata No. 21 In B-Flat Major, D. 960: Ii. Andante Sostenuto (C? Minor)
1~7~Piano Sonata No. 21 In B-Flat Major, D. 960: Iii. [Scherzo] Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza (B? Major)

Details

Format: CD
Artist: Krystian Zimerman
Release Date: 08 September 2017
Genre: Classical Music
Label: DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON (IMP)
Distributor: Universal Music