Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 9 in B major, D575

“Oppitz has [D845's] full measure, not only in its frequent dramatic moments but also in the delicacy of some of the variations...The best thing about his performances of both sonatas is that they focus the listener entirely on their musical and sonorous beauty, supported by good, natural recorded sound.” International Record Review, March 2011

“Jan Vermeulen’s fine complete survey of Schubert’s piano sonatas on an 1826 Streicher continues apace with this revealing programme, which captures most poignantly the emotionally changeable nature of Schubert’s music throughout his short life.” International Piano, March/April 2008

“Richter's Schubert is simply in a class of its own. No pianist did more to overturn the traditional view of the composer as a blithe, unreflecting child of nature. And in this Festival Hall recital three sonatas from 1817-19 unfold with a grandeur of conception, a spirituality and a stoical timelessness that were unique to Richter. The first two movements of the A major Sonata are, on the face of it, implausibly slow: but with his mesmeric, self-communing intensity Richter convinces you for the duration of the performance that no other way is admissable. Phrases, paragraphs are shaped with calm inevitability, underpinned by the sublime, luminous simplicity of Richter's cantabile; and no pianist is more sensitive to Schubert's magical harmonic strokes or understands more surely their place in the larger scheme. As Richter conceives them, the first two movements of the A major, D664, foreshadow the rapt, philosophical contemplation of the late G major and B flat Sonatas, D894 and D960; and even the finale, projected with Richter's characteristic mastery and subtlety of rhythm, has something rarefied in its playfulness. Richter is equally lofty and far-sighted in the two lesser-known sonatas.
The BBC recording, while perhaps a shade bass-light, is warm, and does ample justice to Richter's vast dynamic and tonal palette. A bronchial March audience can intrude at the start of tracks, especially in finales. But no matter.
All but those terminally resistant to Richter's uniquely introspective, long-spanned view of the composer should acquire as a matter of urgency these visionary performances by one of the greatest Schubertians of the century.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“Jando is an extremely versatile fellow, convincingly playing works by fellow Hungarians Liszt and Bartók, by Beethoven and Schubert, and by many others. In sum, his repertory is comprised of a vast number of works by a variety of composers from varying periods, but a variety he has demonstrated considerable knowledge of and sensitivity toward. He is a sensitive artist in Schubert's repertory who can hold his own against most of the competition. At Naxos' price these performances will be attractive and fully satisfying to many potential buyers, especially those new to the repertory. Naxos provides excellent sound and notes.” Classical Net