Franz Schubert, Sviatoslav Richter – Piano Sonata No. 19 In C Minor, Piano Sonata No. 21 In B Flat Major Vol. 5

Franz Schubert – Piano Sonatas Nos. 19 & 21 (Vol. 5)
Franz Schubert
Performed by Sviatoslav Richter

A profound and deeply expressive pairing of Schubert’s final piano sonatas, this volume captures the composer at his most introspective, expansive, and emotionally searching. In the hands of Sviatoslav Richter - one of the great pianists of the 20th century - these works take on a monumental yet intimate character, balancing structural clarity with extraordinary emotional depth.

The Piano Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958, reveals a more dramatic and turbulent side of Schubert. Its opening Allegro is driven and unsettled, while the Adagio unfolds with haunting lyricism. The Menuetto introduces a classical restraint before the finale drives forward with urgent, almost storm-like intensity.

By contrast, the Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960 stands as one of Schubert’s final and most sublime statements. Its vast opening movement unfolds with patience and quiet tension, followed by a deeply contemplative Andante sostenuto. The Scherzo offers delicate rhythmic lightness, while the final movement brings a sense of resigned grace and structural inevitability.

Richter’s interpretation is widely regarded for its architectural sense of scale, emotional control, and ability to sustain long musical narratives without losing intimacy. This recording presents Schubert’s late style at its most profound - music suspended between melancholy, beauty, and transcendence.

Tracklist:

Piano Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Menuetto: Allegro
4. IV. Allegro

Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960
5. I. Molto moderato
6. II. Andante sostenuto
7. III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace con delicatezza
8. IV. Allegro ma non troppo