Paul Lewis @ LoC

Charles T. Downey, Paul Lewis plays Schubert with force and flair at Library of Congress
Washington Post, March 4, 2013

Schubert, Piano Sonata, D. 845, Wanderer Fantasy (inter alia), P. Lewis (2012)

The free concert series at the Library of Congress, long focused on chamber music, does not include many piano recitals. The venue’s new piano, debuted in 2011, may change that trend, and Saturday afternoon’s recital by Paul Lewis set an excellent example. The English pianist, who has been steadily putting together a fine recorded set of Schubert’s piano sonatas for Harmonia Mundi, played two of the composer’s late sonatas, remarkable for their power, expressive range and multitude of crunchy sonic details.

Lewis gave the C minor sonata (D. 958) all of its force and flair right from the opening of the first movement, reveling in the work’s active figuration, giving it a kinetic energy. His singing touch had more than enough power to vault the melody over all the movement, which is often played in a more understated way, the drama capped off by a moody coda. [Continue reading]

Paul Lewis, piano
Schubert, Sonatas (D. 958 and 959)
Library of Congress