1 Schubert Sonata in Bb Major D.960 Neil Crossland

The sonata written by Schubert just two months before he died. The growly note which interrupts the melody periodically is clearly symbolic. Concert at Hammerwood Park http://www.hammerwood.mistral.co.uk/concerts.htm played by Neil Crossland

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in B flat major D960. The final three piano sonatas ending up with this one are the composer's last major compositions for the piano, often referred to in short simply as Schubert's last sonatas. They were written during the last months of Schubert's life, between the spring and autumn of 1828, but were not published until about ten years after his death, in 1838-9. They were sadly neglected during the entire nineteenth century, possibly on account of their absolutely terrifying expression of desolation which comes through as a result of the unequal temperament: the 3rd movement of this performance is one of the blackest expressions of music comparable only to Chopin's funeral march and subsequent movement of the cold wind over the gravestons. Possibly equal temperament which was adopted in the 20th century removed the blackest of colour and enabled gradual public appreciation, after more than 100 years since their composition. One of the reasons for the sonatas long period of neglect seems to be their dismissal as structurally and dramatically inferior when compared to the famous piano sonatas by Beethoven. In fact, the sonatas contain distinct allusions and similarities to specific works by Beethoven, the composer whom Schubert admired. More recent research has shown that they maintain a mature, individual Schubertian style, rather different from Beethoven's and having its own strengths. They have unique features such in teh form of cyclical formal and tonal design, chamber music textures, and a rare depth of emotional expression.

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[platmosic]

Molto moderato: non aleegro/presto

Sometimes it is not about playing as fast as possible. Schubert doesn't go as fast as other composers like Beethoven aand Haydn does. Anyway way too fast for my taste. And untied staccato notes in the triplets are there for a reason, so don't use pedal. continued in nest part---

[latribe]

@platmosic Hi! I'm not at all sure that this is too fast. It was a performance that worked in the flesh of a concert. Often speed is governed by the resonance or not of the instrument or accoustics of the surroundings.

[platmosic]

@latribe oh no maybe its just that I am too used to the slower tempo. I have listened the whole sonata and every aspect sounds beautiful to me (expect the speed o.o). Any suggestions for the techniques in the last mvmt? It is really hard.