Reviews
Vladimir Feltsman takes an idiosyncratic, extremely romantic approach to Franz Schubert, similar to the languid poetry Sviatoslav Richter achieved in this music. In his hands, the sonata in A, D. 664, is a precious, fragile vessel for youthful innocence and naïveté. His slowly-paced first movement — 9 minutes; Paul Badura-Skoda takes under 7 — draws every bit of sweetness out of the unforgettable secondary melody, and every bit of menace out of the ominous bass rumblings after it. While I usually prefer more classicized performances of this sonata, like Badura-Skoda’s, Feltsman’s interpretation is very convincing. The first movement of mighty D. 960 includes copious, tasteful rubato. At the start of the development section, for instance, Feltsman indulges in a weighty pause, then begins again very slowly. Although Feltsman’s pacing in the two middle movements is conventional, his soft touch and lyrical bent are noteworthy. This is, clearly, Schubert by a performer who also knows Chopin and late Brahms intimately. The accompanying booklet has a long essay about Schubert’s psychology by Feltsman. You may disagree with his opinions, but you will respect their intelligence and thoughtfulness. More than is usual with other pianists, the ideas in Feltsman’s notes — such as about Schubert’s obsession with nostalgia — inform his playing. The bonus is a set of a dozen waltzes from Graz, written sometime in 1827. These are light-hearted and carefree, and I had no idea they were composed at Schubert’s peak until I consulted the booklet and back cover. They sound like the product of a fresh-eared teenager. The CD has one other bonus: in the right lighting, it is see-through. This recording is the product of a thoughtful artist working at the peak of his powers. For Schubert lovers, it is essential. For piano lovers in general, it is a strong recommendation.MusicWeb-International
"This is a splendid disc, beautifully balanced and elegantly played; I look forward to more in the series." Ralph Moore
"Speaking of emotion, Schubert’s very last sonata has that in spades. You would not want it any other way. Here the pianist is on firm territory, though his competition is practically every other pianist of note, plus many also-rans. If I cannot say he adds anything new, he does maintain a high score among the top third of interpreters. It only remains to add these newcomers to my already sagging Schubert shelves. Yes, they are that worthy." American Record Guide