Delving into Steven Osborne’s Newest Schubert Release

Steven Osborne has unveiled his third album dedicated to the masterpieces of schubert,released under the esteemed Hyperion label. This album is notably notable as it features one of Schubert’s renowned piano sonatas.The artist has chosen to interpret the second sonata from a trio composed during the summer of 1828, mere months before Schubert’s premature death. The Sonata in A Major, D959, emerges as a vibrant highlight within this final collection; though, its slow movement unveils an underlying sense of melancholy.

Osborne’s interpretation masterfully captures both the expansive character of this four-movement piece and its lyrical brilliance with remarkable skill. He infuses the opening phrase—one that ultimately leads to an emotionally charged conclusion—with grandeur while maintaining a delicate balance against subsequent intricate passages. as he navigates through each section, every nuance is articulated with remarkable clarity.

An Insight into Moments Musicaux D780

The six Moments Musicaux, D780 are also performed with care; however, Osborne does not display quite as commanding presence in these shorter works compared to his execution in the more extensive sonata movements. His performance here is commendable but may not reach the heights achieved by celebrated interpretations from artists such as Rudolf Serkin on sony Classical or Radu Lupu on Decca.