13 October 2024
The Canadian pianist talks about the challenges and the joys of recording this mammoth piano sonata
What is your history with the work?
I don’t remember when I heard it first, but I always knew its reputation. I decided to learn it way back in 1993 and programmed it for a recital in Montreal. It wasn’t a good decision because I had barely learnt it and I got the review I deserved. That soured me on the piece for a few decades. When the pandemic came upon us, I thought, ‘let’s see if I can develop a better relationship with the piece with the years.’ I learnt it very systematically and went into it in depth, as one needs to. There was a completely different feeling and I was so much better equipped to realise it. I was already performing it during the pandemic, as part of my 2022–23 season programme.