A delicate string with thirteen perfect gems. A delicate string with thirteen perfect gems. In her programme selection, the “little” Portuguese master pianist Maria João Pires connects Schumann’s Kinderszenen, Op. 15 with two milestones in classical music history.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ‘Pathétique’

This masterpiece, composed at the ‘birth’ of the nineteenth century, is considered by many to be a prelude to the Romantic period.

Franz Schubert, Sonata in B flat major, D 960

‘Maria João Pires gives shape to this gigantic work without ever raising her voice or resorting to grand gestures.’ With her rendition, Pires joins the illustrious line of master pianists such as Sviatoslav Richter, Alfred Brendel and Maurizio Pollini who have performed this sonata.

About this concert

About the artist

  • Maria João Pires

    'Piano poetess' Maria João Pires is widely regarded as the world’s foremost interpreter of Mozart and Beethoven. Her performances are sophisticated and spiritual. She is often referred to as a musical medium.

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