Review: Schubert - Ländler - Pierre-Laurent Aimard (2024)

Schubert wrote hundreds of short works for piano, and the over 100 dances included in this program are usually added as fillers to Piano Sonatas albums, as with Uchida and Brendel’s Schubert cycles.

Schubert – Ländler

Pierre-Laurent Aimard

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Therefore, it’s fitting to start this review by praising Aimard’s curation. The sequencing thoughtfully avoids monotony while maintaining a natural flow, allowing the listener to enjoy the album in its entirety without it feeling fragmented.

Aimard’s performance is equally commendable. He sounds like a natural Schubertian, imbuing the pieces with elegance and charm. His masterful control of tone and voicing, particularly in the left-hand accompaniment, adds a subtle layer of refinement.

The instrument chosen for this recording deserves a mention as well. This 1956 Steinway D piano, once housed at the Rudolfinum in Prague and later acquired by Annemarie Schindler, was renovated by piano technician Stefan Knüpfer. Resonant and warm, it provides a superb platform for Aimard’s pianism.

Aimard himself contributes insightful commentary, highlighting the intimacy and vulnerability captured within these miniature works. A historical background by Philippe Cassard dives into the origins of the Ländler and Schubert’s approach to composing them. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the social context and influences that shaped these dances.

“Ländler” stands as a satisfying exploration of a lesser-known facet of the Schubert’s work. The combination of Aimard’s insightful performance, the meticulously chosen dances, and the informative booklet text makes this album a captivating listen. Hopefully, Aimard would treat us to more Schubert in the future, especially the late Piano Sonatas.