Product Review

Alfred Brendel is arguably the most outstanding exponent of Schubert's piano music currently
before the public, a man capable of bringing to vibrant life not only the verve of this music but
also its poetic intensity and intellectual depth.
On Volume 2 of the 5 DVD series he plays Schuberts Sonata in A minor, D845 and the Sonata in
D major D850, both regarded as perfect examples of Schuberts musical mastery, full of
contrasts - with changes of tempi, key and mood.
There is a 10-15 mins introduction by Alfred Brendel himself, throwing light on its compositional
substance and at the same time revealing his own highly personal relationship with these
masterpieces of Romantic music, and complete performances under studio conditions.
The series, shot in 1976/1977, has never been shown ever since and therefore embodies
a document of unmitigated fascination.
The way Brendel plays Schubert gives us all the reasons to believe he is a living legend and the
dean of today's pianists. For those who are not familiar with him or his approach of Schubert
this is a good start. It is a most rewarding experience!