Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas performed by John McCabe. A review from the Colonies.by griffinNY

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September 29, 2009: As an amateur pianist, I probably shouldn't even attempt to review this recording. As someone turning to the music of Haydn late in the scheme of things, probably doubly so. However, the music is astounding, from Haydn's eariest (and perhaps doubtful) sonatas to his most complex. John McCabe is a pianist's pianist in the very finest sense. He does for Haydn (at least for me), what Glenn Gould did for Bach. The playing is crisp, clean and elegant. The ornamentation is perfect. Maestro McCabe's command of the music is brilliant. Bonus material, in addition to the sonatas, includes a piano adaptation (not by Haydn, but approved by him in 1787) of the "Seven Last Words of the Redeemer on the Cross" which Haydn lovers will know from the original orchestral version, the string quartet version or the chorus and orchestra version, all by Haydn. Again, this is astounding music, astoundingly played.