Album insights
Schubert left behind numerous incomplete works, with the most famous being his Symphony in B minor, known as "Unfinished." Among his unfinished pieces were fragments of symphonies, chamber music, and piano sonatas. One of these is an uncompleted Sonata in E minor, D769a, possibly composed about six years later, displaying a dark ambiance with extensive modulations. Schubert's wanderings in harmonies seem to lead him astray, leading to a wise decision to cut the piece abruptly after only about thirty bars. Stephen Hough presents the piece in its raw form without any attempt to round off the music.
Schubert's focus on composing Lieder rather than instrumental music during his lifetime meant that only three out of around 15 piano sonatas were published. An example is the Sonata in G major, D894, which was marketed as a compilation of seemingly stand-alone character pieces to boost sales. His Sonata in G major was completed shortly after his G major String Quartet, D887. The Sonata, as observed by contemporary critics, lacked the expressive freedom found in Beethoven's works of the same genre, although it featured quartet-like passages suggesting an innovative approach by Schubert.
The partially soft-starting Andante passage of the Sonata leaves its mark on subsequent movements, including the Menuet in a-minor, generating nostalgic Viennese waltz vibes. Characteristically, Schubert's Rondo-Finale in G major integrates contrasting Écossaisen-style episodes with unexpected tonal excursions, ending with a return to the original key, supported by the graceful sound of cellos playing on empty G and D strings.
Schubert's fluent, expressive style matched well with his A major Sonata, revealing a beloved lyrical trait. The composition is reputedly linked to a visit to Steyr, where Schubert created songs and spent time with the daughter of a local establishment. The Sonata's themes and variations provide musical depth and resonate with Schubert's unique romantic expression throughout the piece.
"Viola Scheffel" by Deutsch