Composer: Franz Schubert
Performer: Chiao-Ying Chang
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Audite
Catalogue: AUDITE92514
Release: 2005
Size: 190 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
01. No. 1 in F minor: Allegro moderato
02. No. 2 in A flat major: Allegretto – Trio
03. No. 3 in B flat major: Andante – Thema – Varition I-V – piu lento
04. No. 4 in F minor: Allegro scherzando
05. No. 1 in C minor: Allegro molto moderato
06. No. 2 in E flat major: Allegro
07. No. 3 in G flat major: Andante
08. No. 4 in A flat major: Allegretto – Trio
Oh so close but not altogether there, Chiao Ying Chang’s recording of Schubert’s two sets of Impromptus is almost but quite great. Her tone is wonderful — clear, rich, and warm. Her interpretations are marvelous — supple, lyrical, and poetic. But her technique, while almost always on top of the music, does sometimes falter in the most difficult passage. Despite the beauty of Chang’s B flat major Impromptu from the first set, she can’t really nail the final pages of the F minor Impromptu from the same set. Despite the tenderness of her G flat major Impromptu from the second set, she can’t entirely command the power of the opening pages of the C minor Impromptu from the same set. And even when Chang is on top of the notes, she hesitates before entrances and pulls back before climaxes, making her performances seem just a bit precious and maybe even a little coy. Audite captures her performances in crystalline sound that some might find a little too reserved and distant.