Schubert Impromptus: Peter Katin

Lovely playing and sound:
This is as charming a CD as I can imagine. The 8 Schubert Impromptus are among my favorite piano works, but this CD is unlike any other version. Peter Katin plays an 1832 Clementi square piano, tuned to a=423. The effect is far more intimate and full of color than the dozens of recordings played on a modern Steinway concert grand. The booklet notes are very informative, and point out that in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was no standard piano, the way we have the Steinway D today. People played upright pianos, square pianos, cabinet pianos. Even concert grand pianos from various makers were radically different. The playing is wonderful. These pianos are not always easy to play, but you would never know from Katin's playing. This 1832 piano does not in any way sound like an antique. It sounds colorful and vibrant. In sum, a wonderful supplement to your Perahia, Lupu, etc. This Clementi square might be an instrument Schubert was familiar with.