Sonata in E major, No. 15 (Hob. XVI 13) Sonata in A major, No. 12 (Hob. XVI 12) Sonata in E major, No. 37 (Hob. XVI 22) Sonata in G major, No. 54 (Hob. XVI 40) Sonata in B flat major, No. 55 (Hob. XVI 41) Sonata in D major, No. 56 (Hob. XVI 42)
We have now reached Volume 5 in Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s project to record the complete piano sonatas of Haydn. Many leading pianists have tackled these, at times technically challenging classical sonatas, but in Bavouzet’s own words, this is a composer who always left the door open for new interpretations: ‘One often forgets how little information Haydn left in the text of his keyboard works: few instructions on nuance and phrasing, and very minimal tempo indications. Playing them is all the more fascinating for that, but it is also arduous and even risky for the performer, who must, even more than usual, create his or her own world and internal logic, only hoping – in the absence of tangible proof – that he or she is not straying too far from the composer’s intentions, forever out of reach.’
This series has been going from strength to strength, every volume receiving consistently excellent reviews. Below are a few examples of the many kind words written about Bavouzet’s ongoing Haydn project.
Volume 1: ‘Every second of this CD is a delight with Bavouzet’s artistry carrying anything that might sound routine’ International Piano
Volume 2: ‘Who is the best composer for refreshing the spirit and making you laugh? Haydn, of course, especially when in the hands of a pianist like Bavouzet, another master of delight’ The Times
Volume 3: ‘A recording worth rushing to the shops for. Bavouzet plays these inventive masterpieces with real love’ Classic FM
Volume 4: ‘This series is turning into a real classic: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet has an infectious sense of the witty fun that underlies so many of Haydn’s inventions’ The Observer Also available: Haydn Piano Sonatas Series with Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
