The Liszt B minor Piano Sonata is a titan contribution to the piano literature, and the only such work to be produced by the composer. It is a synthesis of two familiar aspects of his compositional output -- the purely virtuosic and the deeply introspective. These two seemingly divergent characteristics make this particular sonata an interesting choice for an artist like
Alfred Brendel. Esteemed as one of the greatest interpreters of Schubert and even Mozart,
Brendel excels at the introspective and academic aspects of their music. However, his name does not instantly spring to mind when considering virtuosic works. As such, this performance may be a mixed bag for some. The more tender and meditative moments -- in particular the final two Lento sections of the piece -- are simply sublime.
Brendel also has a command of voicing that few who have performed the Liszt sonata have ever achieved, allowing listeners to hear the movement and re-use of motives throughout the piece. From an academic perspective,
Brendel's own notes on the sonata are quite instructive. Still, there is some passion and spontaneity that seems lacking in the more forceful and zealous moments in the sonata. While these virtuosic demands are met with precision and brilliant technique, there just isn't quite enough muscularity to
Brendel's playing to give performances by the likes of
Pogorelich or
Richter the ability to keep listeners on the edge of their seats for the entirety of the sonata.