Late Works

Schubert's last three piano sonatas played on a double cd by Murray Perahia. It is always tempting to read things into the late works of composers, especially those who died young. Do they represent any intimations of death etc. Or is there a calm resignation ? I think if there were any such thoughts, they are to be found more in the contemporaneous song cycle Winterriese, although the overall feel of the sonatas is more down than upbeat. What is not in doubt is the stature of the work. Murray Perahia's performances are deeply felt. He has experienced problems with injury that have interrupted his career but seems to be touring again, although recordings seem to have dried up for now. Possibly a mixture of his recovery and Sony's current attitude to classical music being the reason.