The late style of Franz Schubert
by Roberto Calabretto
Born in Locarno, Swiss-Italian pianist Francesco Piemontesi has established himself as one of the leading interpreters of the German Classical and Romantic repertoire, earning acclaim for a pianism that combines poetic sensitivity, tonal refinement and technical brilliance. Having studied with Arie Vardi, Alfred Brendel and Cécile Ousset, he is a regular guest at the world’s most prestigious concert venues and has performed with orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Filarmonica della Scala, Cleveland Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of Europe, collaborating with conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Antonio Pappano, Daniel Harding and Paavo Järvi. His recital career has taken him to renowned venues including the Musikverein in Vienna, Tonhalle in Zurich and Wigmore Hall in London. His critically acclaimed discography includes recordings of works by Schubert, Mozart, Debussy and Liszt. Artistic Director of the Settimane Musicali di Ascona from 2012 to 2024, he collaborated with filmmaker Jan Schmidt-Garre in 2024 on The Alchemy of the Piano, a documentary exploring the art of piano interpretation.
The music evokes a subtle play of intimate sensations across his face — a faithful reflection of his musicality.
Franz Schubert
(Vienna, 1797 – 1828)
Sonata in sol maggiore, op. 78 “Fantasia”, D.894
I. Molto moderato e cantabile
II. Andante
III. Menuetto. Allegro moderato. Trio
IV. Allegretto
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Franz Liszt
(Raiding, 1811 – Bayreuth, 1886)
Années de pèlerinage. Première année: Suisse, S. 160
I. Chapelle de Guillaume Tell
II. Au lac de Wallenstadt
III. Pastorale
IV. Au bord d’une source (Beside a Spring)
V. Orage (Storm)
VI. Vallée d’Obermann (Obermann’s Valley)
VII. Eglogue (Eclogue)
VIII. Le mal du pays (Homesickness)
IX. Les cloches de Genève: Nocturne (The Bells of Geneva: Nocturne)