Sonate D-dur D.850 / 16 Deutsche Tänze, D.783

Released in 1974 by Philips, this recording features the Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel performing Franz Schubert’s Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major, D. 850, alongside the 16 German Dances, D. 783. This recording serves as a significant entry in Brendel’s multi-decade engagement with Schubert’s piano repertoire, a body of work he famously championed throughout his career. The performance reflects Brendel’s trademark intellectual rigor and his analytical approach to the structural nuances of the late Classical and early Romantic periods.

The album is part of a broader cycle produced during the mid-1970s, a time when Philips sought to solidify its reputation for high-fidelity classical recordings. Brendel’s interpretation was noted by critics for its clarity and balance, particularly in how he navigated the rhythmic complexities of the sonata, often referred to as the 'Gastein' sonata. As a cornerstone of the Philips catalog, this LP remains a reference point for scholars and collectors interested in the evolution of Schubertian performance practice in the 20th century.