Two different pianos were used for this recording: a Bechstein for CD 1 and a Steinway for CD 2, each maintained by a different technician.
Compositional Technique
Schubert's last three piano sonatas (D. 958, D. 959, D. 960) were unconventional for their time due to their sheer length, harmonic range, and motif development.
Performer Biography
William Youn, the pianist on this recording, believes that Schubert's music, like Mozart's, draws its strength from melody, with song playing an important role even in instrumental works.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at Schloss Elmau, Krün, Germany, with CD 2 recorded in March 2020 and CD 1 in January 2021.
Composer Biography
Schubert was in poor health when he wrote his C minor Sonata D. 958 in September 1828, yet he worked prolifically, composing several major works in a short period.
Composition History
The G major Sonata D. 894 was initially published under the title 'Fantasie, Andante, Menuetto und Allegretto für das Piano-Forte' rather than as a sonata.
Interpretation
William Youn chose the Adagio D. 612 to link Sonatas D. 537 and D. 959 because its music sounds like an improvisation, reminding him of Mozart's 'Adagio cantabile' from Sonata K284.
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