Schubert – Katya Apekisheva

Esteemed pianist and director of the London Piano Festival, Katya Apekisheva returns to Orchid with an album of Schubert. This recital brings together three late piano groupings by Franz Schubert, works that distil his distinctive blend of intimacy, lyricism and emotional ambiguity. The programme centres on the complete Six Moments musicaux D.780, framed by the poignant Allegretto in C minor D.915 and the Drei Klavierstücke D.946, composed in the final year of Schubert’s life.

Rich in expressive depth, the Moments musicaux move effortlessly between simplicity and complexity: gentle lyricism gives way to sudden shadows, major and minor coexist in close tension and fleeting dance rhythms dissolve into quiet resignation. The Allegretto D.915, composed as a farewell to a close friend, exemplifies Schubert’s rare gift for finding increased poignancy in moments of apparent calm. The Drei Klavierstücke, published posthumously, stand as impromptus in all but name – restless, searching works that juxtapose turbulence with luminous stillness.

For pianist Katya Apekisheva, Schubert has been a lifelong companion. This recording represents a deeply personal homage, shaped by years of performing and living with this music. Recorded on a Steinway Model D at Syde Manor, the album offers a thoughtful, finely judged reading of some of Schubert’s most inward and compelling piano writing.