Joseph Haydn is still one of the most underrated composers of the classical era, and with these four sonatas, Christian Zacharias presents a very individually designed solo album.
The works from Haydn's "middle" creative period were written at the Esterhazy court and surprise us with their generous freedom of form, which Zacharias knows how to develop beautifully.
There was no fixed scheme for the form of the sonata in Haydn's time, so even the outer structure is very different: Two or three movements, sometimes a cycle of variations at the beginning, major and minor keys in surprising alternation - Haydn does not impose any constraints on himself, and so a kind of intelligent monologue emerges, which lives from the entertaining alternation of aphoristic ideas.
With Christian Zacharias, this manifold richness is in the best hands. Singing legato, delicate intonation and phrasing of convincing naturalness allow the audience to share in the master's ideas; Zacharias' recital takes the listener on a journey that awakens astonishing associations and hidden emotions - and should never end.
The natural sound reproduction in three-dimensional 2+2+2 Recording on high-resolution Super Audio CD does its part to make one forget the sophisticated technology behind a striking matter-of-factness. It is almost unbelievable what sounds Christian Zacharias is able to conjure out of the modern Steinway "Manfred Brki" from 1901.
Christian Zacharias is a narrator among the conductors and pianists of his generation. In each of his elaborate, detailed and clearly articulated interpretations, it's clear what he means: Zacharias is interested in what lies behind the notes.
With a unique combination of integrity and individuality, brilliant linguistic expressiveness, deep musical understanding, and a sure artistic instinct, paired with his charismatic and engaging artistic personality, Christian Zacharias has established himself not only as a world-class pianist and conductor, but also as a musical thinker. Numerous acclaimed concerts with the world's best orchestras and outstanding conductors as well as multiple honors and recordings characterize his international career.
