Spohr & Onslow: Piano Sonatas

Howard Shelley continues his appraisal of a composer who in his lifetime was classed with Mozart and Beethoven, and enjoyed international fame and admiration. Shelley is a master of the Classical–Romantic style and in his hands the music of Spohr, heard very little today, reveals a freshness and excitement which is utterly beguiling.

Spohr’s Piano Sonata and Rondoletto are paired with works by George Onslow, Spohr’s exact contemporary. Both composers wrote very little piano music and this release comprises all their major works for the instrument. Again, music to charm and delight is rediscovered through Shelley’s expert performances.

CDA67947  78 minutes 12 seconds
BBC Music Magazine
‘Spohr's piano sonata is rarely heard and there is much to commend in it … a work that is lyrically and melodically dominated throughout, and with some ravishing modulations among its highlights ...
‘Shelley, who as a conductor has recorded all of Spohr's symphonies, plays this music masterfully. Hyperion's recording is faultless. What's not to like?’ (Fanfare, USA)