John Halbrooks writes:

>A glaring hole in my collection is my lack of Schubert Piano Sonatas,
>particularly considering that Schubert is one of my favorite composers.
>Any suggestions on where to start with these, both in individual sonatas
>and individual performances?

Ooh!  Ooh!  I KNOW this one!  First, don't care what anyone else says,
I don't believe there is a complete set that is recommendable.  So for
individual performances and performers: Can't go wrong with Richter.
On Melodiya there is a great performance of D. 664 and 760, and another
with the D. 960 and Impromptus.  Another of D. 959.  Another is on
Philips, that greatest of great sonatas, the G major D. 894 in the most
introspective and reflective visions of Richter in live performance.  The
Relique D 840 on Philips is also superb, but would get the aforementioned
discs first.  To dip into Schubert's most extrovert pianistic moments, look
for the Wanderer Fantasy, again with Richter on a Japanese EMI import.

Another way to dip into these works is with Schnabel's two disc set on EMI.
Some of the most profoundly musical and insightful versions available.  If
I recall, he recorded the last 3 sonatas, and other misc.  works.  True
gems.

I am particularly fond of Radu Lupu's Schubert interpretations.  He has
recorded a recent version of the Bb major, but don't overlook his older
London recordings: The Impromptus (the best!), the G major D. 894, and A
minor D 845.  You will not go astray with any of his interpretations.

Then, for modern digital recordings, go for Kovacevich.  He has recorded
the last 2 sonatas for EMI, and they both explore the tender and visceral
sides of Schubert more deeply than most.  He also has an older Hyperion
recording of the Bb major I would give my eye-teeth to have (any help out
there?)

Clifford Curzon has recorded several discs that are all self recommending.
And a final recommendation: Maria Joao Pires, especially her Erato
recordings of the G major, Bb major, and works for piano 4 hands.  She has
a recent set on DG that has been lauded on many fronts, but I find it a bit
too gooshy for my tastes.  But now onto shakier ground: Those to stay away
from.  I know Don Satz will have a few words to say about this, but I have
never found Brendel or Uchida convincing in Schubert (or much of anything
else - except Haydn.) Dalberto has recorded the complete works, but merely
skims the surface of the emotional depth required of a inspired Schubert
interpretation.  And for God's sake, stay away from Demidenko's fist
bashing Barberish musical fiascos.  He makes some of the ugliest sounds
ever thrust upon the ears, at least in Schubert (he is otherwise a
magnificent pianist) and lacks completely in warmth.

Hope this helps!

Joseph Previte
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