Alfred Brendel: Plays and Introduces Schubert, Vol. 5: Sonatas D959 & D960 / Recording: Radio Bremen, Germany, June 1976, June 1977 7 December 1977 / Directed by Peter Hamm / DVD

Alfred Brendel: Plays and Introduces Schubert, Vol. 5: Sonatas D959 & D960 / Recording: Radio Bremen, Germany, June 1976, June 1977 7 December 1977 / Directed by Peter Hamm / DVD   Format: NTSC Run time: 103 Minutes UPC: 880242578488   Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 1.33:1 MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated) Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 4 Ounces Item model number ‏ : ‎ D960 Director ‏ : ‎ Hamm Media Format ‏ : ‎ Multiple Formats, Classical, Color, NTSC Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 44 minutes Release date ‏ : ‎ July 28, 2009 Actors ‏ : ‎ Schubert, Brendel Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ German, English, French, Spanish Language ‏ : ‎ German (PCM Stereo) Studio ‏ : ‎ EuroArts Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ France Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1   Alfred Brendel is arguably the most outstanding exponent of Schubert's piano music currently before the public, a man capable of bringing to vibrant life not only the verve of this music but also its poetic intensity and intellectual depth. On Volume 5 of the 5 DVD series he plays Schuberts Sonata in A major, D959 and the Sonata in B flat major, D960. There is a 10-15 mins introduction by Alfred Brendel himself, throwing light on its compositional substance and at the same time revealing his own highly personal relationship with these masterpieces of Romantic music, and complete performances under studio conditions. The series, shot in 1976/1977, has never been shown ever since and therefore embodies a document of unmitigated fascination. The way Brendel plays Schubert gives us all the  reasons to believe he is a living legend and the dean of today's pianists. For those who are not familiar with him or his approach of Schubert this is a good start. It is a most rewarding experience!