Having recorded a selection of Robert Schumann’s piano music for Signum, Llŷr Williams now dips into Brahms’s catalogue, opening with the substantial five-movement F-minor Sonata (Opus 5), Williams less flamboyant than some pianists but always musical as well as thoughtful, subtle and searching, if with plenty of bravura in the Scherzo with a melting Trio, and, beforehand, a bountiful slow movement. Two sets of Variations are included – from the Opus 18 String Sextet (transcribed by the composer), and on a Theme by Robert Schumann (Opus 9), both finely done. Which leaves the miraculous collections of Pieces, Opuses 116-119, some of which are transporting and therapeutic, Williams equal to their breadth and depth, and floridity (118/5, for example), so personal yet universal, elsewhere requiring an heroic approach, ably supplied.by Williams, all adding to a stellar whole, captured in very good sound. Signum Classics SIGCD916 (2 CDs) is released on November 1.
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