Schubert & Beethoven [2 CD]

Grigory Sokolov is an exceptional artist. He is regarded as one of the worlds leading pianists and adored by his audience in sold-out concerts dedicated to his art, and nothing else.

His debut album on Deutsche Grammophon Salzburg Recital was a huge success and is the best-selling core classical release this year to date.

Grigory Sokolov plays late masterworks by Schubert, including the much-loved Impromptus, and Beethovens mighty Hammerklavier Sonata, finishing with six impeccable encores by Rameau and Brahms.

This outstanding recital is culled from concerts in Warsaw and Salzburg, which were celebrated by the media Salzburger Nachrichten claimed: Wherever he plays, the utopia of ultimate satisfaction is closer than ever...

An hour of Schubert comprising some of his best-loved piano music (the Impromptus in A flat and G flat major, with rippling arpeggios and timeless melodies), and three of his late piano works that search out the depths of his art.

Beethovens longest piano sonata one of the famous late sonatas explores the whole range of the extended keyboard then available to him. It lasts over 45 minutes and is one of his most over-the-top works with its huge fugal finale that has been known to drive listeners crazy. Sokolov has it all under control.

After Mozart & Chopin this new live recording is another pianistic landmark release.