Title: Pires doesn't have a big U.S. following but her Schubert is appealing
Review: The Protuguese pianist Maria Joao Pires has made some winning chamber music recordings on DG (e.g, the Schumann Piano Quintet) and even better sonata recordings with Augustin Dumay as violinist, but I'm not as enthusiastic about her solo work. She gained accolades for her complete Chopin Nocturnes, and this recital of Schubert's great sonata D. 784 and Moments musicaux has the same virutes: sensitive, restrained musicality, a lovely singing line, and complete lack of eccentirity. But that's also the problem: one longs for more dash and flash, more overt personality. After all, Pires is up aginst the likes of Kissin, Edwin Fishcer, and Richter. Being sensitive and pleasant doesn't make you a standout.
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