Following his distinguished Mozart on four Wigmore Hall CDs, it’s good to find Christian Blackshaw now recording Schubert, and doing so with transcendental results. The opening chord of the initial Impromptu gives a clue as to Blackshaw’s approach – refined, beautifully balanced, and shot through with mysticism. And as this set of four pieces continues, one is continually aware of the immaculate balance between the hands and of Blackshaw’s ability to spin spiritual song: No.3 touches the heart, and nerves. Perfect preparation for the Sonata, here edge-of-the World in its spaciousness and subtlety – the first movement unhurried (twenty-two minutes and some change, exposition repeat observed of course) if not Richter-like, and a slow movement that is sublime, then a puckish Scherzo, and an articulate Finale that is a fitting summing-up to what has gone before. Maybe these accounts are not for impatient listeners, or for those with a penchant for balloon-bursting fortissimos – nevertheless do try such deeply considered and revealing readings. Pentatone PTC 518 7532 is released on February 20.
Christian Blackshaw records “A Moment in Time” for Pentatone – Schubert’s Four Impromptus (D899) & the B-flat Piano Sonata (No.21/D960).
