Here’s your disc of the week for Oct. 14, 2012. Each week CBC Radio 2’s In Concert looks at new classical music releases and selects one recording that you’ll want to know about.
Artist: Marc-André Hamelin, piano
Repertoire: Haydn Piano Sonatas III
Label: Hyperion
The brilliant Canadian virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin is renowned for his recordings of music by often obscure composers (Nikolai Kaptustin, Xaver Scharwenka, Kaikhosru Sorabji) requiring super-human technique and heart-stopping bravado. But Hamelin isn't all about flash and dazzle, as he's shown with his recent explorations in the elegant environs of pure classicism via the piano sonatas of Joseph Haydn. Hamelin has just released volume three of the series on Hyperion and this collection of middle-period sonatas is as captivating as the earlier recordings. Refined, imaginative, by turns witty and contemplative, these keyboard gems are simply beguiling. And Hamelin brings his brilliant technique and impeccable taste to the performances, showing yet again why he is widely considered to be one of the greatest pianists of our day.
You'll hear highlights from Hamelin's recordings of Haydn's Piano Sonatas III on CBC Radio 2's In Concert on Sunday, Oct. 14. Enjoy the following sample from this 2-disc set:
Piano Sonata in C major, 1st mvt. Hob XVI:1 (Haydn)
Piano Sonata in C major, 2nd mvt. Hob XVI:1 (Haydn)
Piano Sonata in C major, 3rd mvt. Hob XVI:1 (Haydn)