Melnikov and Staier bring intimacy and fresh edge to Schubert

Alexander Melnikov, © Marco Borggreve

Alexander Melnikov (piano)
Andreas Staier (piano)

Thursday 10 January, 2019

Wigmore Hall, London


★★★★★

Schubert:

March in B minor D819 No.3

Four Ländler D814

Polonaise in D minor D824 No. 1

Marche caractéristiques in C D968b No. 1

Andantino varié in B minor D823 No. 2

Rondo in A D951

Variations on an original theme in A flat major D813

Fantasie in F minor B940

Andreas Staier, © Josep Molina

'Staier’s first variation triplet decoration was fluid and subtle, whilst Melnikov’s running secondo part in the second variation was equally agile'.

'Staier and Melnikov held this moment perfectly, before releasing us into the trotting rhythms of the final variation'.

'Staier and Melnikov held our collective breathes'.

'Staier and Melnikov’s tautly sensitive interpretation made for a very special moment of music making'.

Read my full review on Bachtrack here.