Schubert: Sonatas D. 894 & D. 958

Following albums of Brahms piano concertos and Schubert chamber music, the French pianist turns his attention to Schubert’s piano sonatas. Once again, he reveals his pianistic pedigree with playing of poetry and fantasy. The *G Major, D. 894*, with its mood of gentle introspection and serenity, is beautifully judged, the songful perfectly balanced with the poignant. The *C Minor, D. 958*, the first of the final group of three, is a much more dramatic work, of almost Beethovenian passion and intensity. Laloum has the technique and vision to rise to its many challenges, and he gives a superbly coherent and cogent performance.