Andras Schiff - Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 7

The simultaneous yet separate release of the last two volumes of Schiff�s complete Beethoven sonatas in autumn 2008 finally offers the opportunity to oversee the pianist�s approach to this unique repertoire segment in total. Part VII, recorded once again live at Tonhalle Zurich, includes the first three of the so-called �late� sonatas which were written between 1814 and 1822. A highlight in any Beethoven cycle is the 45-minute long �Hammerklavier� sonata which Schiff � especially with regard to the fast tempo markings by Beethoven � calls �probably the hardest work in the whole repertoire of the piano � technically, structurally, atmospherically, metaphysically.� Reviewers in England, Germany and Switzerland expressed their unanimous admiration after Schiff�s recitals with this programme in May 2006, praising the pianist�s structural awareness, his individual approach to musical characters, and outstanding sonic control.