Ronald Brautigam - Schubert: Sonatas D. 959 & D. 960 (2024) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Ronald Brautigam presents two of Franz Schubert’s late masterpieces, the Sonatas D 959 and D 960. They are played here on a fortepiano built by Paul McNulty after an instrument from around 1819 by the Viennese instrument maker Conrad Graf and presumably similar to the instrument on which Schubert composed. Although it is tempting to see Schubert’s final works as the testament of a doomed artist who feels his end is nearing, the reality is quite different: the composer displayed vitality, optimism and a prodigious capacity for work. His last two sonatas also show that he had reached a new level, having successfully emancipated himself from the Beethovenian model. These sonatas took a long time to establish themselves, not least because of their length, which was at first disconcerting for music-lovers and pianists alike. They are now considered to be among Schubert’s finest works, alongside others dating from the last years of his life, such as the String Quintet in C major and the song cycle Winterreise. All these works seemed to herald considerable promise for future works; Schubert’s untimely death buried a rich heritage, but even more beautiful hopes.

Tracklist:
01. Schubert- Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959- I. Allegro
02. Schubert- Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959- II. Andantino
03. Schubert- Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959- III. Scherzo - Trio
04. Schubert- Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959- IV. Rondo
05. Schubert- Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960- I. Molto moderato
06. Schubert- Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960- II. Andante sostenuto
07. Schubert- Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960- III. Scherzo - Trio
08. Schubert- Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960- IV. Allegro ma non troppo - Presto


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