Winner of the Keyboard Prize at the 2011 AMC, Ashley Fripp returns with the second movement of Schubert's Sonata in B flat major D960. So different in atmosphere to the piece by Chopin he played for us earlier this week, Ashley explains his reasons for wanting to record the Schubert below:
"I wanted to record the slow movement from Schubert's final sonata for very different reasons to the Chopin. The Sonata, as a whole, unfolds over a remarkably extended time (about 45 minutes!) and the slow movement is almost hypnotic in its stillness and melancholy. I do not think I am alone, at the moment, in finding the meaning of time rather arbitrary, and indeed almost lacking altogether. For someone who is usually hardworking, but reliant on work pressure for productivity, it is especially difficult at this time. Of course, this music is almost overwhelmingly sad and time seems to stand still, however, the middle section does fill one with an incredible sense of hope and life. The fact that the movement passes through so many foreign keys (something Brendel refers to describing Schubert's music as dreaming/sleepwalking) and ends in the minor key is so symbolic that, even though arduous struggle and hardship, there is always light at the end of the tunnel and it is worth persevering."
With thanks to Ian and Susan Pettman for supporting these films for our ROSL alumni. To help continue our support of young musicians, artists and writers across the Commonwealth and beyond, visit www.rosl.org.uk/supportus
