BBC Radio 3 One Pianist, One Composer: Elisabeth Leonskaja plays Schubert

Melody. Poetry. Experience.

Pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja brings all her experience to bear on Franz Schubert’s extraordinary last piano sonata.

Franz Schubert was young, popular and gifted beyond belief; a supreme musical poet who could pierce straight to the heart, or craft a melody that would stay with you forever. Written shortly before his tragically early death, these two pieces capture all the fantasy, wonder and sheer beauty of a composer who saw further than other artists, and who lived life to the full.

Elisabeth Leonskaja is one of those rare pianists who… well, she’s far too engaging, insightful and original to be called a living legend. Let’s just say that as well as being a truly exceptional player, she brings a lifetime of musical experience to music that always has something new to tell us.

‘It sometimes seems to me as if I do not belong in this world at all.’ – Schubert