I'm obsessed with sonata, I think this is one of the most incredible pieces of music ever composed, and I've listened to many performances, and to this one countless times. This is my favorite one by far. Don't mind the moderate tempo at all; this sonata places me in another world that, despite being entirely unlike ours, runs at its own pace and doesn't care about waiting for me to contemplate it, a slower tempo is not necessary for me to enjoy it.
I think Richter can hold very well such a slow tempo and it's not a matter of "What on Earth could Richter have been thinking?!" as he was not a naife artist. Perhaps, instead, he is one of the few who interpreted correctly the "heavenly length" of which Schumann spoke, regarding Schubert's works :-)
no i just disagree that this performance is the best ever, it is far from it. But Richter ir Richter he is clearly one of the greatest if not the greatest performer of Schubert. It is not just a matter of taste, I believe that the slower tempo at the beggining suites it very much. Lets just agree to disagree...
It is difficult question, especially in English. I think, in point of view of (a) interpretation strength, (b) tempo, (c) dramatic power (mainly in 4.movement), (d) melodic guidance, etc. Ránki's performance is the best. It doesn't matter in point of view of technical sound's poorness (for me).
Just because this version is faster than Richter's doesn't mean that it is superficial and Richter's is profound. They are merely different, and preference is entirely a matter of taste. I love much of Richter's Schubert, but I am not a fan of his ultra-slow tempos in the first movements of this sonata and D. 960. Of course those interpretations aren't bad, but they aren't at all to my taste.
I am sorry but I will have to disagree with that : "the best performace. Ever". Although a good performace, a very interesting, it is the 2nd 'worst' if you want, together with michel dalberto. None of them is a bad performace but this one seems hurried and quite light and over the surface. Just compare the first 5 seconds with Richter's to all of them and you will see the difference. Richter is simply the master in Schubert and his performance proves this exactly.
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I'm obsessed with sonata, I think this is one of the most incredible pieces of music ever composed, and I've listened to many performances, and to this one countless times. This is my favorite one by far. Don't mind the moderate tempo at all; this sonata places me in another world that, despite being entirely unlike ours, runs at its own pace and doesn't care about waiting for me to contemplate it, a slower tempo is not necessary for me to enjoy it.
I think Richter can hold very well such a slow tempo and it's not a matter of "What on Earth could Richter have been thinking?!" as he was not a naife artist. Perhaps, instead, he is one of the few who interpreted correctly the "heavenly length" of which Schumann spoke, regarding Schubert's works :-)
How on earth I've never heard this piece before, I'll never know. It's just lovely.
no i just disagree that this performance is the best ever, it is far from it. But Richter ir Richter he is clearly one of the greatest if not the greatest performer of Schubert. It is not just a matter of taste, I believe that the slower tempo at the beggining suites it very much. Lets just agree to disagree...
Magnifique !
I prefer Lupu
Dear +tsnamesoralong , can you tell us why you like more that bersion than the others composer? :)
It is difficult question, especially in English.
I think, in point of view of (a) interpretation strength, (b) tempo, (c) dramatic power (mainly in 4.movement), (d) melodic guidance, etc. Ránki's performance is the best.
It doesn't matter in point of view of technical sound's poorness (for me).
@gkollias14
IMHO=In my honest opinion. ;)
Just because this version is faster than Richter's doesn't mean that it is superficial and Richter's is profound. They are merely different, and preference is entirely a matter of taste. I love much of Richter's Schubert, but I am not a fan of his ultra-slow tempos in the first movements of this sonata and D. 960. Of course those interpretations aren't bad, but they aren't at all to my taste.
I am sorry but I will have to disagree with that : "the best performace. Ever". Although a good performace, a very interesting, it is the 2nd 'worst' if you want, together with michel dalberto.
None of them is a bad performace but this one seems hurried and quite light and over the surface. Just compare the first 5 seconds with Richter's to all of them and you will see the difference. Richter is simply the master in Schubert and his performance proves this exactly.
Try Paul Lewis
He is so strong in Beethoven that I was surprised to hear something ... slack? unstrong? insufficient forward motion ... rhythmically in his Schubert