An all-Schubert recital is an unusual treat and Paul Lewis is, of course, an outstanding pianist who interprets the material with unshowy sensitivity.

We’ll never know why Schubert (as he did the famous symphony) left his D840 sonata apparently unfinished in 1825. Lewis opened the concert by playing the first movement of Relique with gentle gravitas, especially in the octave passages. Then he brought enough careful insouciance to the andante to ensure that we enjoyed the themed melody in all its forms and variations.

The familiar first movement of D664 is often played on its own but Lewis made it sound fresh before moving without a break into the lilting andante. Then I admired the expressive left hand work under the semi-quavers in the concluding allegro.

After the interval came the substantial four movement D845. There was attractive fluidity in the opening movement which marries two quite disparate themes: one a plaintive melody and the other a military march. And I loved the way Lewis delivered the drama at the end. Then it was into C major for an attractive take on the andante which certainly walked at a steady 4mph rather than the 2mph trudge it could so easily become. Lewis, moreover, scrupulously does all five variations with so much attention to detail that the individual mood of each is very clear. The scherzo was measured and elegant rather than rushed and Lewis made the finale sound as effortless as it is busy.

Some would argue that a full size concert grand with the lid fully open is inappropriate for music of the 1820s. But I reckon that, had Schubert, had the chance to hear his music played on an instrument of this quality he’d have applauded as enthusiastically as the audience did at this enjoyable concert.

Susan Elkin