The release of the last two volumes of Schiff’s complete Beethoven Sonatas this autumn finally offers the opportunity to view, and hear, the pianist’s approach to this unique repertoire segment in total. Volume VIII, recorded at the Reitstadl in Neumarkt, Germany rather than the Tonhalle Zurich used for all the previous instalments, includes the Sonatas Nos. 30, 31 and 32. “This was a Beethoven which transfixed the audience with its Apollonian balance, its subtly hued sonic and dynamic differentiation, depth of thought and technical command…The three sonatas sounded like a quintessence of pure late style, otherworldly as if made from precious marble”, wrote the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reviewing Schiff in concert. The booklet for this final volume includes not only an extensive interview with the pianist on the recorded sonatas but also a performer’s note about his personal approach to and experiences with Beethoven.
31st October 2008
*****
“By any standards, these are immaculately played accounts of hugely demanding works...Schiff's accounts of both works have a magisterial sense of rightness about them.”
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