Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Murray Perahia :: Schubert: Impromptus For Piano

Quite possibly, the definitive "Schubert Impromptus" album

12/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Murray Perahia is one of the most lyrical pianists of our time. In his hands, the "Schubert Impromptus" album is quite possibly the definitive interpretation of these equally lyrical piano works by Franz Schubert. His delicate playing of the shifting minor and major keys and modulations makes the listener pause to absorb every nuance and phrasing.Listen to how he plays the middle part of the Impromptu Op. 90 No. 1 in C-minor and the more popular Impromptu Op. 90 No. 4 in A-Flat. The piano sings at his touch and how! Then there's the Impromptu in G-Flat, my personal favorite and one which I have endeavored hard to play. This is one of the highlights of the album, and Perahia's playing is fantastic. The delicate tone which he coaxes out of the piano is one of sheer beauty.In my books, Murray Perahia is in the same class as Artur Rubinstein, the definitive interpreter of Chopin. This collection of Schubert Impromptus is a gift from Mr. Perahia to those who know how to appreciate beautiful piano music. I am proud to have this album in my collection."

Schubert's best work ?

Alessandro Bruno | Toronto, Canada | 11/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am going to review the music and not the performance. Unless you're Rubinstein or rachmaninov I find it pointless to criticize a pianist, particularly one as good as Murray Perahia.
I am somewhat biased because i have played these impromptus for a long time, but I've found few other pieces which combine the grace, romance, introspection and simplicity of the impromptus. Op. 90, no. 3 is my favorite. It modulates - and ondulates - from major to minor keys with beautiful bass accents expressing an overall melancholy mood that reminds me of the Andante from Mozart's Piano concerto no. 21 (also available by Perahia) and a Chopin Nocturne, though perhaps expressing more depth than the latter. Schubert unfortunately died in Beethoven's shadow though his music is no less important. Enjoy these hidden treasures of music. i also recommend Schubert's Fantasia for 2 hands (made famous ny the film Sunshine). Wunderschon!"

My favorite of the Impromptus.

Santa Fe Listener | 05/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own recordings by Brendel, Andras Schiff, and others of the Impromptus. Perahia's recording is still my favorite - honest, direct, sensitive, yet powerful."