"Natalia Ewald once again proves herself to be a sensitive poet, delighting us with the naturalness of her expressive playing."

In 2016, pianist Natalia Ehwald impressed us with her debut album. Now, she presents a Schubert album, which features the qualities we enjoyed on her first album.

Her interpretations of the A Major Sonata and the Dances are naturally captivating. Nothing is calculated; there is no mannerism.

The interpretations are absolutely coherent, and the beauty emanates from an intelligence without a hint of heaviness. The natural tranquility that Schubert radiates through this album may become a calm oasis for those seeking peace in our hectic world without having to travel far. No discordant sounds can be heard here. In other words: Natalia Ewald does not dramatize the music; she always strives for cantabile.

Then, with Schubert’s last sonata in B-flat major, everything changes. The first two movements are full of pensiveness and introspection, which vividly bring Schubert’s tragic dimensions to life. However, from the Scherzo onward, Natalia Ehwald returns resolutely to the lightheartedness of the first part of her album. In the Allegro ma non troppo, this is sometimes manifested as a powerful roar.

In short, with this album, Natalia Ewald once again proves herself to be a sensitive poet, delighting us with the naturalness of her expressive playing. This natural playing is matched by an equally natural and ideally balanced sound recording.

Remy Franck

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