Customer Reviews

Schubert - The Complete Piano Sonatas / Wilhelm Kempfff

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Wilhelm Kempff's Schubert Sonatas are an interesting contrast with his Beethoven Sonatas. Both sets are stellar, but Schubert is more oblique than Beethoven. As Kempff indicates in the liner notes, Schubert makes most of his points in the pianissimo segments of his works. Schubert meanders to his endpoint, but what a beautiful journey he takes!
This discs grow more enjoyable with each pass through the set; there is something new to discover every time.
Of note , the pieces are arranged in reverse chronologic order. It is instructive to listen to the evolution of his music as he attained his mature voice. Of note is the fact that Schubert only lived to be 31, and that much of his music moldered in cabinets and drawers throughout Europe, unpublished for decades following his death. This collection of Kempff's 1960s performances feature splendid DG sound; these interpretations of Schubert will afford permanent listening enjoyment.

An overload of incredible music performed by someone who understands it perfectly and communicates it clearly. Hours of bliss!