Few pianists possess the incredible subtlety, clarity of tone, and immaculate phrasing that characterize the playing of the great Maria João Pires, who shines brightly in this solo recital at Hamburg's Laeiszhalle, part of the 2021 Martha Argerich Festival! Pires takes on pieces by Franz Schubert, a composer whose work she loves and has recorded often. She opens the festivities with two of the Op. 142 Impromptus, including the lovely No. 3, called "Rosamunde" after the play for which its theme was originally composed. The Portuguese virtuoso closes the program with the Piano Sonata No. 13 in A Major, sparkling and serene, one of the Austrian master's finest creations.

Photo: Maria João Pires © Felix Broede