Pianosonates played by Paul Lewis # 1: Op. 31 Nrs 1,2 & 3 (2005)

"An epic Beethoven journey begins and this strong start promises well. Paul Lewis launches his cycle of the 32 Beethoven sonatas with a triptych of richly varied middle-period masterpieces. Lewiss musicianship and overall mastery are worth their weight in gold; every bar declares his calibre and generosity of spirit. Sometimes his warmth and flexibility suggest Beethoven seen through Schuberts eyes (the finale to Op 31 No 1) and he often suggests a darker, more serious side to the composers laughter and high jinks. But he plays Beethovens humorous afterthought at the close of the Op 31 No 1s Allegro vivace as to the manner born and his presto coda to the finale becomes a joyous chase. His way with the Tempest Sonata is a reminder, too, of his outwardly relaxed mastery, quite without a sign of a skewed or telescoped phrase and with a quiet but superbly focused intensity. His Adagio is gravely processional, his finale acutely yet subtly and unobtrusively characterised." (Bryce Morrison, Gramophone)

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