Michail Lifits - Schubert: Piano Sonatas D 894 & D 845 (2015)

Tracklist

01. Piano Sonata No. 18 in G, D.894: 1. Molto Moderato E Cantabile
02. Piano Sonata No. 18 in G, D.894: 2. Andante
03. Piano Sonata No. 18 in G, D.894: 3. Menuetto (Allegro Moderato)
04. Piano Sonata No. 18 in G, D.894: 4. Allegretto
05. Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D.845: 1. Moderato
06. Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D.845: 2. Andante, Poco Mosso
07. Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D.845: 3. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace) - Trio (Un Poco Più Lento)
08. Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D.845: 4. Rondo (Allegro Vivace)

Michail Lifits' second release on Decca is a more ambitious project than his first critically praised CD, which presented a varied program of keyboard works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This 2015 double-disc offers only two piano sonatas by Franz Schubert, yet within these expansive works are depths of expression and imagination that make the Mozart album seem like a warm-up. The Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major, D. 894, and the Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D. 845, are among Schubert's final masterpieces, and they challenge the performer to find the sustained lyrical tone at their core that unifies them and transcends the narrower strictures of Classical form. Lifits certainly shapes the sonatas with graceful phrasing, a hallmark of Classicism, but he is just as sure to connect with the internal emotions that give these works their eloquence and Romantic, songlike feeling. Of course, these long pieces require concentration and complete control to be convincing, and Lifits plays with an assured touch that allows him to extend lines and moods as long as he wishes. Considering the length of each movement -- the first movement of D. 894 alone is over 20 minutes -- having this ability to spin out melodies with connectedness is a gift, and Lifits is generous with it in these sublime performances.

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