Szymanowski - Piano Sonata No.2 A major, op. 21, Marc-André Hamelin

Szymanowski´s Piano Sonata No. 2 in A major op. 21 was written during the years 1910-11. This monumental work consists of two parts: the first part (Allegro assai. Molto appassionato) maintains the traditional form of sonata allegro whereas the second part (Tema. Allegretto tranquillo. Grazioso) brings a carefully crafted combination of the theme with eight variations, and a four-part fugue which crowns the whole work. After Rubinstein, for many years the only virtuoso to include this work in his regular repertory was Sviatoslav Richter. The composer himself thought that his Sonata No. 2 would present the pianist with a challenge comparable to Beethoven’s Hammerklavier sonata op. 106, or to Liszt’s Transcendental Etudes: “I don’t know who will be playing all that, because it’s long and devilishly difficult”.
Well, here’s one formidable answer to Szymanowski's doubts.
Recorded live, Munich 29 April 2002.

[@occultobscurekhov4908]

20:41 fugue

[@PieInTheSky9]

He plays this with passion and humanity. Amazing!

[@ryguillian]

Transcendental performance.

[@aakarshitsingh1535]

Indeed

[@ibish9513]

After all, Hamelin is the pianist.

[@hannastaszak1684]

KAROL SZYMANOWSKI ❤️
wielki polski kompozytor. Wspaniałe i ponadczasowe. Ta muzyka będzie zachwycać wiecznie.

[@aloziecnwachukwu1515]

Incredible piece and INCREDIBLE Pianist. Marc-Andre Never fails to

[@richardhyde5997]

Monumental work performed very well by a great pianist.

[@aloziecnwachukwu1515]

First movement reminds me of Chopin sonata #2 especially at the ending

[@aakarshitsingh1535]

8:11 Mvmt 2

[@ilikeplayingffftonecluster851]

thanks rand

[@bloba6969]

Indeed

[@rachguy]

Indeed

[@christophera3330]

@@rachguy Yes, indeed.

[@occultobscurekhov4908]

Indeed