A strange but compelling vision

In its second cycle Schubert (recorded in 1987-1988 and here present), Brendel is more interventionist than in the first (recorded in the 70): it grows solicitation text often quite far, sometimes at the risk of a slight feverishness, in a rush a little nervous movement (see for example the first movement of the D 845 or the 1st movement of the D. 958).

This cycle proposes a very particular vision of the main Schubert sonatas (a vision rather bubbling and turbulent) and some may prefer the calmer dimension undergraduate (particularly in the edition that is proposed by Eloquence are included sonatas D. 537 and 664, recorded in 1982 and the Sonata D. 575, recorded live in 1998 - these three sonatas are absent in this case).

Three things make this nevertheless very valuable and endearing cycle and returns that are still regularly and passionately to him:

- First the sound, which is exceptional warmth, depth, brightness, and that is really greater than, less rich, recordings of the 70s;

- Then the remarkable successes in several sonatas, including the D. 894 and D. 960. The version offered here of the latter (the D. 960) is indeed my favorite version of this sonata: internally busy, Going, but sober and an absolutely poignant melancholy that I have not found equivalent anywhere;

- Finally, even if the vision proposed by Brendel in each sonata is personal and, at first, a little destabilize those who are used to more marmoreal pianists Arrau or Pollini, it is nevertheless totally captivating. Therefore, despite some reservations set out above, I put 5 stars to this case and not 4.