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Recommended Reading
When studying Beethoven's sonata in E flat major last year, my piano teacher suggested I listen to 'the lectures' to help with my interpretation of the piece. Not really knowing what they were, but wanting to follow his insistent advice, I searched for Andras Schiff's reviews of the Beethoven sonatas online. To my surprise, I found listed the entirety of Beethoven's sonata works for piano, recorded by Schiff, and having selected the E flat major, I sat down with my score to listen.
What you hear is a recording of Schiff actually talking you through each phrase of music whilst playing it. He patiently explains the suggested motives behind the notes, and pays particular attention to the phrasing and articulation. Schiff revives Beethoven in a way that is refreshing and exciting, giving advice on often considered 'over-played' works that is relatively controversial. With regards to the Moonlight sonata, for example, he tells the audience to avoid the Classic FM stereotype by going at a much faster pace, even twice the speed, and to use the sustaining pedal far more than has ever been suggested.
Each lecture is a pleasure to listen to, even without playing the pieces yourself, as Schiff manages to expose the beauty of the lesser-known sonatas as well as renewing our fascination in the more famous ones. The Andras Schiff lectures are a gem to any musician.
