Schubert Piano Sonatas

Posted by: Richard S on 30 January 2011

Can I pick the brains of the wide body of knowledge that resides here?

In mid February I shall see Paul Lewis play the first in a series of concerts covering Schubert's complete Piano Works. I have been playing his recordings of 2 of the Lieder cycles almost constantly since Christmas and they have touched a nerve somewhere.

The first recital comprises Sonata No 15 D840, 3 Klavierstucke D 946 and Sonata No 17 D850. I would really like to hear them at home before the event, and Paul Lewis has yet to release these on disc, though previous concert tours have been followed by a recorded version.

So the question is; who do I buy? Over to you....

Posted on: 30 January 2011 by madasafish

I've got these and they're good (especially at the price).
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4...&urlrefer=search

Posted on: 30 January 2011 by Aleg

I think most Brendel's are good and I like Mitsuko Uchida's Boxset of Schubert Sonatas as well.

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Aleg

Posted on: 30 January 2011 by EJS

Richard,

The Kempff has been around for a long time and remains one of the most complete sets, but he was recorded rather indifferently. If you care about that, more sonic pleasure can be derived from Alfred Brendel (who recorded these works several times) or Mitsuko Uchida.

EJ

Posted on: 30 January 2011 by Florestan

Try any of the following:
Wilhelm Kempff
Alfred Brendel
Mitsuko Uchida
Alain Planes
Andras Schiff

The above come either complete or with a healthy offering of the Sonatas. Keep in mind though that if you want the 3 Klavierstucke D 946, some have it included in the sets and others don't so you'll have to get individual disc for this as well as the Impromtus and Moments musicaux etc. if you are interested in more than just the Sonatas.

I'd mention someone like Radu Lupu but I don't believe he recorded these two Sonatas. The Kempff box set is strictly the Sonatas but you can get the extra works seperately. The Brendel, Uchida, and Planes sets have some of the additional pieces in addition to Sonatas.

You really cannot go wrong with any of these recordings. If you want to cherry pick other artists too for individual discs you can't go wrong either but too many to name here.

Posted on: 30 January 2011 by Richard S

Thanks for all the replies. I have plumped for the Mitsuko Uchida set on the grounds that 3 of you recommended it and it does contain the Klavierstucke pieces.

Looking forward to it arriving soon.