TRACKLISTING
CD 1
Piano Sonata in G major, D894
I Molto moderato e cantabile
II Andante
III Menuetto: Allegro moderato
IV Allegretto
Piano Sonata in B, D575
I Allegro ma non troppo
II Andante
III Scherzo: Allegretto
IV Allegro giusto

CD 2
Piano Sonata in A major, D959
I Allegro
II Andantino
III Scherzo: Allegro vivace
IV Rondo: Allegretto
Piano Sonata in B flat major, D960
I Molto moderato
II Andante sostenuto
III Scherzo: Allegro vivace con delicatezza
IV Allegro ma non troppo

RECORDING INFORMATION

Alfred Brendel is arguably the greatest living pianist. As he reaches the age of 70, he is now the most obvious successor in the long line of great European pianists such as Artur Schnabel and Wilhelm Kempff. This latest recording of live performances by Brendel of works he is credited with bringing to the fore of the piano repertoire is an aural testimony to his art.

Brendel the Pianist
Brendel’s name is associated with the highest achievements in what is referred to as the Great Piano Repertoire (Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann). His recording catalogue, all on Philips, is immense (for instance, three complete Beethoven sonata cycles, each of them huge critical and commercial successes). Alfred Brendel is the only living pianist to reach the top of the list of recommendations over such a large, varied and competitive repertoire. His latest recording of the Beethoven concertos has sold almost 75,000 copies (3 CDs a time!!), an extraordinary achievement when so many mid-price versions are available.

Brendel — Man and Mask
Alfred Brendel’s (non-musical) trademarks are his glasses, and his very serious looks which hide a very funny and original personality. BBC Worldwide is producing a documentary (working title: Man and Mask) to celebrate his 70th birthday, which will probably feature some footage of these live recordings. This documentary will be broadcast in January in the UK, and later on worldwide (dates to be confirmed).

The Repertoire
These great Schubert sonatas include the last three, among them the famous D960. These live recordings show Brendel in his key repertoire, in direct contact with his public. Brendel is often credited as the pianist who has brought Schubert’s last sonatas to the fore of the piano repertoire. He has recorded them at least twice previously, but never live. This recording is a key testimony of Alfred Brendel’s art.

These four major works by Schubert display the whole gamut of emotions and feelings contained in his music. They can be considered real achievements, both emotionally and stylistically. Schubert’s music can range from sheer happiness and lightness to the deepest sorrow. And this record shows, through these very different works, the whole world of Schubert and the various faces of Brendel.