Search - Schubert, Dalberto :: Schubert: Piano Sonatas Complete Vol 4: Piano Sonata in G Op78, D894, ; Waltzes "Valses Nobles", Op. 77 D.969; Sonata in C major, D.279; Allegretto in C Major, D. 346

Intensely beautiful, emotionally compelling music making.

J. K. Weston | Baltimore, USA | 06/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think that the most rewarding music acquisition I have ever made was my purchase in the late 1990s of Michel Dalberto's Schubert recordings. Between 1989 and 1995, Dalberto recorded the supposedly complete Schubert works for solo piano (but there are at least a few waltzes, and possibly other works missing from the 14-CD set) including the most complete version of the Schubert Sonatas of which I am aware: it includes a number of incomplete or "completed" sonata movements not included in other recordings. He did not record the Sonata number #7 in Db, D.567--nobody else does, either--but he (and others) did record the Sonata #8 in Eb, D.568, which is basically the same work, transposed in key, and with an additional movement. The only recording of the original version in Db of which I am aware is Gottlieb Walllisch's recording on Naxos 8.557189, and if you love Schubert, that is definitely worth picking up.



These Schubert recordings were done in Switzerland by Denon/Nippon Columbia and issued in Japan and perhaps elsewhere. In the United States, the recordings were licensed by the Musical Heritage Society and released in 13 volumes and 14 CDs between 1996 and 1999; that's where I bought them.



I love Schubert and especially his piano music. In addition to "complete" sets by Michel Dalberto, Paul Badura-Skoda, Andras Schiff, Friedrich Wuhrer, Wilhelm Kempf, and Mitsuko Uchida's partial set, I have numerous other performances of individual sonatas and other works by a variety of other artists, and all of Artur Schnabel's Schubert recordings. I must say that as an integral set, Dalberto's recordings are my favorites. Some performances by others give me the impression of playing all the notes, almost as a technical exercise, but missing the meaning and emotional content of the music. Not so with Dalberto. More than any other set, I find that Dalberto brings out the intense emotional content of the music more consistently than other performer. This is especially true of the "fantasie" Sonata #18 in G, D.894.



Since I first heard Schnabel's recording of Schubert's final Sonata, in Bb, D.960 decades ago, it has been not only my favorite Schubert Sonata, but my favorite sonata by any composer. Other people's performances of this sonata have only increased my appreciation for it and some have given different insights into the music or perspectives on it. Dalberto's recording is excellent, and if not my favorite, it is up near the top of the list of well over a dozen recordings of it in my collection. And this is still my favorite sonata.



However, when I first heard Dalberto's recording of the "fantasie" Sonata, I was floored. It is heartbreakingly beautiful, and emotionally intense. It was like I had never heard this music before. I went back and checked my other sets, because it was hard to believe that I had never before heard this sonata; and sure enough, this sonata was included. But when I listened to them, it was like I was hearing different music. When I listened to Dalberto's recording, I WAS hearing it like I had never heard it before. Some of the other recordings are pretty good, and some leave me cold, but Dalberto's recording--and only Dalberto's--makes a strong case for this being the finest of all Schubert's sonatas, and especially the 19+ minute first movement. If you buy no other recordings by Dalberto, you should buy volume 4 of the complete works which contains this rare treasure. And if you buy it, you will probably buy others. I heartily recommend them all. And I don't think it makes any difference whether you get the Musical Heritage Society versions or the Denons. But I have just ordered a copy of the Denon volume 4 and will update this review it I find significant differences.



I will say it might be worthwhile joining MHS just to get these sonatas because some of the volumes are otherwise expensive or not readily available. Links for 10 of the volumes are below but Amazon doesn't allow 12 additional and there are 13 volumes. But if you search for Dalberto under classical music you should be able to find the missing ones. Addendum: Apparently the Denon set has been reissued through Brilliant Classics (of Complete Bach and Mozart Fame). I haven't yet seen it on Amazon, but I have seen it on ebay for between $30-80, so it ought to show up here soon.



Franz Schubert Piano Sonatas

Schubert: Piano Sonatas Complete, Vol. 2 - Piano Sonata D.537, Moments Musicaux, etc.

Schubert: Piano Sonatas Vol.3

Schubert: Piano Sonatas Complete Vol 4: Piano Sonata in G Op78, D894, ; Waltzes "Valses Nobles", Op. 77 D.969; Sonata in C major, D.279; Allegretto in C Major, D. 346

Complete Piano Sonatas 5

Schubert: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 6 - Michel Dalberto

Schubert: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 7

Schubert: Sonata in F Minor/Galopp/Ecoxxaisen/Sonata in D Major

Schubert: Originaltänze D365, Op9; Piano Sonata in A No13, D664, Op120

Schubert: Complete Piano Works Vol. 13"