Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
The Last Three Piano Sonatas
CD 1 [71:06]
Sonata in C minor, D.958 [31:12]
Sonata in A major, D.959 [39:54]
CD 2 [47:12]
Sonata in B flat, D.960 [41:57]
Allegretto in C minor, D.915 [5:15]
Craig Sheppard (piano)
rec. no details supplied
ROMÉO RECORDS 7283-4 [71:06 + 47:12]
The American-born pianist Craig Sheppard (b. 1947) is an artist who has made
waves on both sides of the Atlantic; he moved from his native Philadelphia
to London for 20 years after placing second (to Murray Perahia) in the 1972
Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. Now based at the University of
Washington, from which Sheppard also makes regular concert tours - particularly
in the Far East - he has applied his formidable intellect and his brilliant
technique to a notable series of recitals like this one, all of them recorded
live. See www.craigsheppard.net for a complete discography.
This recording makes a good case for Sheppard’s claim that the final three
Schubert sonatas should be considered as a unity. As one listens to these
two discs, the similarities and internal references become quite clear. An
example is the opening theme of the B Flat sonata and the second theme of
the c minor sonata’s first movement. More important than these minutiae, however,
is the quality of Sheppard’s interpretation: the songlike quality of the right
hand, the beautifully natural waxing and waning of the themes and the development,
and the simplicity and elegance of the phrasing.
This is virile, exciting Schubert, as well; Sheppard provides a supercharged
intensity in the stormier sections. The D.959 is particularly full of vivid
contrasts. Here and elsewhere, Sheppard commands some real thunder-power along
with the thoughtfulness and intelligence of his interpretations.
This reviewer also heard the live concert performance of this recording. The
clarity and colors of the recorded sound are remarkably close to the effect
of sitting in the balcony at the University of Washington’s superb 1,200-seat
Meany Theater, a space that is virtually ideal for a piano recital.
Melinda Bargreen
This is virile, exciting Schubert.
www.melindabargreen.com