Impromptus, Moments Musicaux: Brendel

This set is offered at a special price: 2 discs for the cost of 1.
Though Schubert is thought of as a composer of buoyant melodies and lively variations, his Impromptus and 'Moments Musicaux' for piano are reminders of the depth and sublimity of his later works. This two-CD set performed by pianist Alfred Brendel contains these late pieces in a satisfying format. Brendel gives an expressive but sagaciously understated performance, displaying a controlled virtuosity, and an understanding of the forms and structures of the pieces necessary to bring them off individually, as well as the set as a whole.
Disc one contains only the Impromptus which are lighter and more reflective in character, anticipating in their thematic unity and the later short piano pieces of Brahms and Schumann. Written in the latter stages of Schubert's life, they are introspective and forward thinking. Disc two contains the 'Moments Musicaux' which themselves are more wide-ranging in emotional content and depth, evoking a sonata first movement form more often than not. Also found on disc two are the sometimes surprising '12 German Dances' which were not published until well after Schubert's death. This is a terrific self-contained set of Schubert's short piano works.