ENCORES AFTER BEETHOVEN
ANDRAS SCHIFF, Piano
ECM New Series 4814474 / *****
Anyone
who has attended a recital by the Hungary-born pianist Sir Andras Schiff knows
that he loves performing encores. The choice of encore is a very personal
thing, and he never fails to include works that complement and sometimes even
enhance the musical experience that has passed. This disc is filled with live
performances of encores played after his all-Beethoven recitals in Zurich's
Tonhalle from 2004 to 2006.
There
is a whole sonata by Haydn, his contemplative No.44 in G minor in two
movements that come after Beethoven's Op.49 set, which closes in jolly G major.
Notice the change in mood and relative tonalities. Schubert features prominently with his Impromptu
in E flat minor (the first of Three Pieces D.946), Allegretto in
C minor and Hungarian Melody. He was well-known for being in awe of
Beethoven, and. placing these Schubert pieces in juxtaposition is the best
tribute possible.
Beethoven's
own Andante Favori followed the Waldstein Sonata. That was the
discarded movement from that sonata, but is now heard in its proper context.
Bach gets his due with dance movements from Partita No.1 and the glorious
Prelude & Fugue in B flat minor which is one of very few pieces that
does not diminish the mighty fugue from the Hammerklavier Sonata. Nothing is left to chance, whim or fancy, and
that is truly the genius of programming.
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