Peter Aronsky presents an anthology of the most striking classical and romantic piano works. These are not arranged in chronological order, but according to the dramatic arc of the music. On the first CD works such as Schumann’s Scenes of Childhood and Schubert’s Sonata in A major D646 give way to Beethoven’s stirring ‘Pathétique’, with Mozart’s lyrical ‘Sonata facile’ as a sprightly conclusion.
The second volume is like an imaginary, heavenly Wanderer Fantasy; it features Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’, Schubert’s great last Sonata in B flat, Chopin’s enigmatic and melancholy Fantaisie and the Berceuse, which quotes a Polish lullaby. What a contrast with the beginning of the third CD: Beethoven’s dramatic ‘Appassionata’! This storm-tossed sonata is followed by the delicate harmonies of Chopin’s 14 Waltzes, elysian visions of a world where poetry has become pure sound – a heartfelt, soulful ballet which transcends dance.