Search - Schubert, John Damgaard :: Compl Finished Stas for Pno in a Minor D845

Schubert's complete piano sonatas

Amy | 11/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Schubert's piano sonatas are still rarely encountered in the concert hall, despite pioneering work by such eminent pianists as Alfred Brendel, Andras Schiff and Wilhelm Kempff. Even though these works have been neglected for over a century I consider them to be among the most profound musical works ever written. For anyone who responds to the late Schubert symphonies or the inspiration of his songs, the late string quartets and above all, the great String Quintet, there will be much to enjoy in the piano sonatas. Indeed, there are treasures in these sonatas to equal if not surpass those of his other late works. This magnificently played 5 CD set of the completed piano sonatas is an excellent opportunity to hear the true genius of Schubert captured in performances of great poetic intensity. The sonatas are distinguished by intensely beautiful song like melodies and are as intellectually stimulating as Mozart or Beethoven's sonatas. The pianist John Damgaard emphasizes the pioneering side of these works and does not shy away from underlining their more eccentric twists and turns. He brings a clear sighted approach which does not preclude refinement or intellectual but which achieves that most difficult of tasks; appearing to allow the music to play itself without interpretative intrusions. There are a few sets available of Schubert's complete piano sonatas, but I feel this is the most consistently fine performances of Schubert's sonatas available. Time and again I am moved by the sheer beauty of Damgaard's playing. There is no greater tribute to him than if I say it was not long before I forgot I was listening to performances and began to enjoy the unique genius of Schubert which is his astonishing ability to write memorable tunes and to confound the listener's expectations. I absolutely love the Schubert sonatas. There is a innocence, a line of thinking, a profound bewitchment there to which I unreservedly surrender myself every time I listen to them. My favorite sonata, the D.960 is especially sensitive in its uncertain switching between laughter and tears, a typically Schubertian trait reflected in Damgaard's' outstandingly delicate touch and his natural phrasing. Schubert was famous for always saying, "When I write music about love it turns to sorrow and every time I write about sorrow it turns to love." These are profoundly musical and deeply thought out performances and anyone looking for a complete set of Schubert's piano sonatas will be very happy with this set."