Haydn: Piano Sonatas Vol 1 (2 CDs)

'Hamelin kicks off with the late C major sonata, H50, nailing his virtuoso credentials firmly to the mast with a mercurial account of its opening movement … Hamelin's playing is dazzling … These are altogether splendid performances … These beautifully recorded performances can't be recommended too highly'
(BBC Music Magazine)

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE Editor's Choice
CANADA POST DISC OF THE MONTH
GRAMOPHONE RECOMMENDS

"It is a mystery that the Haydn sonatas are performed so rarely. They are wonderful works; full of drama, wit and invention, and they work superbly on the modern grand piano. This double disc release by the French Canadian Marc-Andre Hamelin is the perfect vehicle to embark on a journey of discovery. The playing is sizzlingly stylish and the recording quality is very realistic."
(Dominion Post Recording of the Year 2007)

"The Hamelin charisma is stamped on this music from the first Sonata of the set, one of Haydn's greatest, No 50 in C major. In the opening movement, staccatos are as crisp as the best melba toast and, where lesser pianists rattle, Hamelin creates sculptural sheen. The Adagio is the purest of songs, the final scherzo a puckish scamper."
(William Dart NZ Herald)

'The ever-phenomenal Marc-André Hamelin breaks out into the light with a two-disc set of Haydn sonatas … These are astonishing performances … Hyperion's sound and presentation are, as always, immaculate' (Gramophone)

Exploring all facets of the classical sonata, Haydn's piano sonatas are a central part of his oeuvre. From the galant to the magnificent, they are characterised by an exuberant physicality and a constant sense of adventure and surprise. On this 2CD set, the brilliant Marc-André Hamelin brings his limitless technique and innate musicianship to ten of these delightful, ebullient works.