The Piano Sonata in B-flat major (D.960) was completed by Schubert only seven weeks before his death, as the last of three piano sonatas written around the same time.
Composition History
Schubert composed his D-major Piano Sonata (D.850) for the virtuoso pianist Karl Maria von Bocklet, who was also the dedicatee of the published work.
Recording & Production
This recording features Anne-Marie McDermott on a Yamaha CFX piano, recorded in April 2021 at the Troy Music Hall Savings Bank in Troy, New York.
Composer Biography
Schubert was a capable pianist, but he preferred lyricism over dazzling virtuosity and disliked the 'cursed chopping' at the instrument practiced by some first-class pianists of his era.
Critical Reception
Robert Schumann, a composer and critic, described Schubert's late sonatas as having 'greater simplicity of invention' and a continuous, melodious flow.
Composer Biography
Franz Schubert, born in Vienna in 1797, died at the young age of 31 in 1828.
Historical Context
During his lifetime, Schubert's music was most often performed in domestic settings, such as the 'Schubertiads' with friends, rather than in public concert halls.
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