Menahem Pressler Plays Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin
Turning 90 in December 2013, Menahem Pressler was the pianist of the legendary Beaux Arts Trio for almost 55 years, and he continues to enjoy an active career as soloist and recitalist, while remaining as committed to teaching as ever.
On this recording, we get to hear the following masterpieces:
Beethoven:
- Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110
Chopin:
- Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor, Op. post.
Schubert:
- Piano Sonata No. 21 in B flat major, D960
Performed by Menahem Pressler (piano)
Menachem Pressler has lived with the two great piano sonatas recorded here, and he recounted how he studied Beethoven’s Sonata in A flat major, Op.110 as a young man after having fled Nazi Germany for Israel in 1939:
‘I didn’t really understand many of the things that I understand now. I only understood the enormous emotional… tearing, tearing on my insides…’
Schubert’s last sonata D.960, explores the emotions of the composer, who knows he has a limited time to live, and in which the slow movement resonates like a funeral march while also showing resignation, and peace of mind.
Here are some samples of Mr. Pressler’s wonderful playing:
And next, here is Mr. Pressler, performing the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27 in B flat major, K. 595:
http://youtu.be/c8xrUDj-a6A
Tags: Menachem Pressler, Schubert, Beethoven, Chopin