Maria Perrotta - Schubert: Sonatas D784 & 960 - Grazer Fantasy D605A (2017)

The Italian pianist, Maria Perrotta, graduated with distinction from the Milan Conservatoire in 1996; then she studied at the École Normale de Musique in Paris, where she graduated in chamber music. In 2007, she graduated with distinction from the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome under Sergio Perticaroli. She has won top prizes in several international piano competitions. In 2004, she won 3rd prize at the 5th J.S. Bach International Piano Competition of Saarbrücken (Germany) gaining critical acclaim: "The crystal-clear sound, the ever-audible structure and stimulating phrasal articulation made this an ideal interpretation." (Allgemeine Zeitung). Other awards include 1st prize at the 2005 S. Giovanni Teatino International Piano Competition; 2nd prize (first prize void), as well as the Schubert prize, at the 2006 Camillo Togni International Piano Competition; and 1st prize at the 2008 Shura Cherkassky International Piano Competition in Milan.

A prodigy, Maria Perrotta made her debut with a symphony orchestra at the age of 11 performing L.v. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Rendano Theatre of Cosenza, her native city. Hailed as an exceptionally communicative interpreter, she has performed extensively across Italy and Europe. In 2013 she performed L.v. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini conducted by Antoni Wit, as well as L.v. Beethoven's last three piano sonatas to critical acclaim: "Where Pollini is fast and formalistic, Perrotta is analytical and expressive, but, like Pollini, always maintains a sense of formal unity." (Corriere della Sera).

Maria Perrotta has broadcast on Sky TV, the German radio station Saarländischer Rundfunk, and various other German and Italian television channels and radio stations. She has recorded for the labels Decca, Cinik Records and ClassicaViva. Her live recording of J. S. Bach's Goldberg Variations (BWV 988) (Cinik Records, 2012) received five stars and won the Critics' Award in major musical magazines in Italy. Her performances of the Goldberg Variations (BWV 988) received rave reviews: "A perfect blend of the lush pianism of Alexis Weissenberg and the laser-like control of Glenn Gould." (Libero). "If she stays on this path, Maria Perrotta seems destined to become the Italian Rosalyn Tureck." (Corriere della Sera).

TRACKLIST
01. Schubert Piano Sonata No.14 In A Minor, D.784 - 1. Allegro giusto
02. Schubert Piano Sonata No.14 In A Minor, D.784 - 2. Andante
03. Schubert Piano Sonata No.14 In A Minor, D.784 - 3. Allegro vivace
04. Schubert Piano Sonata No.21 In B Flat, D.960 - 1. Molto moderato
05. Schubert Piano Sonata No.21 In B Flat, D.960 - 2. Andante sostenuto
06. Schubert Piano Sonata No.21 In B Flat, D.960 - 3. Scherzo (Allegro vivace con delicatezza)
07. Schubert Piano Sonata No.21 In B Flat, D.960 - 4. Allegro ma non troppo
08. Schubert Fantasie in C Major, D.605a - Grazer