Chopin Piano Sonatas - The Sunday Times

Used to a more classical conception of the great Barcarolle, I found Pizarro's generously pedalled account at first a little self-conscious. Yet it is hard not to be swept along by his torrential but sensitively voiced Chopin interpretations. It is like Chopin played by Liszt. There is a wide variety of colour and touch (as well as a huge energy) - the Second Sonata's funeral march exceptionally austere, its opening movement clangorous and impulsive. The B minor sonata (Op 58) - Chopin at the peak of his genius - is done with a driving force that yet allows its melodic inspirations rich scope.