Thread: Who is your favorite Schubertian pianist?

Originally Posted by joen_cph

Agree, Demus seems quite underrated, cf. his relatively early Debussy and Franck recordings, but I don´t know his Schubert except the fine Moments Musicaux and the Impromptus D935 (DG-Polydor LP). Any others ?

There is this:

http://www.amazon.com/J%C3%B6rg-Demu...demus+schubert

He recorded a lot as accompanist in the lieder, some in the chamber music, and even 4-hands with Badura-Skoda.

Seems like I have more piano solo stuff, but I can't remember what, and finding it in my collection could be a long time coming.

Originally Posted by joen_cph

Agree, Demus seems quite underrated, cf. his relatively early Debussy and Franck recordings, but I don´t know his Schubert except the fine Moments Musicaux and the Impromptus D935 (DG-Polydor LP). Any others ?

Demus made a recording for DGG entitled Dances from Old Vienna that consisted of waltzes,laendler,ecossaises,German dances,etc by Schubert--not terribly important but charming.

I wonder if anybody remembers Karl Ulricht Schnabel, son of Artur. He was a tremendous Schubert pianist, but few recordings seem available today, and those only from specialty houses.

I own a mix of Uchida and Lupu for his solo piano works, because I like their performances very much.

Gerald Moore is the pianist on the Lieder cycles (Winterreise, Schwanengesang, Die Schöne Müllerin) I own, he's one of the great interpreters of Schubert's songs, but I chose those recordings because of Dietrich Fischer-Diskau.

I've recently heard Paul Lewis play the late sonatas of Schubert in my city's concert hall and it was a great experience. I really like his Schubert playing.

Representing Kempff!

My favorite is me! Learning the D960 right now.

Other than that I voted for Richter and Perahia. Richter's D894 and D960 are stellar, and Perahia plays very cleanly as always.

I was introduced to Schubert's piano music through the recordings of Richard Goode. They're still among my favorites. Has he been forgotten?

I put down the ones I actually own at the moment.
Richter
Lupu
Kempff
Lewis
Brendel

Also Schnabel on cassette. He introduced me to the sonatas.

I also own an awesome D960 by kovacevich and the last three sonatas by Pollini, which are very fine.
Schiff is also rated as a Schubertian. I have him in the shorter pieces.
I also have a D960 by Geza Anda - wayward but interesting.

As for Horowitz - fantastic in Schumann but Schubert - perhaps not his string point.

I think you have noted the omission of Curzon.

Brendel, Uchida, and Other (with Goode in mind).

Let me also say that, despite dated sound, I love many, perhaps even most of the performances of Walter Klien, available as three inexpensive Vox twofers. They have great vigor and rhythmic energy, an interesting contrast to Uchida's dreaminess.

Was listening to Lupu again last night. Fantastic Schubertian. He seems to have the right touch and colour. Someone said he is a 'colourist in a thousand'. I am constantly amazed that someone can get such sounds out of what is basically a mechanical instrument.

To be honest, I am not a great lover of Schubert's piano music *gasp*. Even the best pianists cannot help me from being bored. However I chose Perahia—I haven't even heard any of his Schubert recordings, but he played that (dreaded ) A major sonata at a concert last year. I wasn't looking forward to it; however, he had me on the edge of my seat the whole time—even while doing all the repeats. It was the most invigorating Schubert I've ever heard—Perahia's playing is incomprehensibly poised, mature, and refined.

Believe it or not, I only just realized Claudio Arrau was on the list. His late Schubert sonatas are excellent. (He's on my mind because I listened to his Beethoven Opp. 109 and 110 last night and was convinced nobody has ever played them better.) Anyway, if I were voting today he'd probably get my vote along with Brendel and other (for Goode).

Lupu and Sokolov is very good

Richter, Kempff, and Brendel dominate the poll.

These three marvelous performers top my list of favorite Schubert pianists too.

Originally Posted by Novelette

Richter, Kempff, and Brendel dominate the poll.

These three marvelous performers top my list of favorite Schubert pianists too.

I think in that case some of you guys need to listen to Radu Lupu. I believe he's right up there with them. One of the greatest pianists today. Pity he doesn't record any more.