Deutsche Grammophon repackages Wilhelm Kempffs classic Schubert sonata cycle in a space-saving box, and slashes the cost down to budget price. In addition, the performances have been sonically upgraded. An A/B comparison between DGs previous edition and the present remastering reveals Kempffs magical, intimate sonority to take on newfound robustness and detail. You can better ascertain Kempffs sparse and subtle pedaling, and there seems to be more air between the notes. These improvements reinforce the pianists innate stylistic grasp and unpressured authority in this music.

Kempffs virtuosity is very real, yet never draws attention to itself. He approaches Schubert not so much as a two-handed pianist as a one-man chamber ensemble, or a seasoned lieder singer backed by a sensitive accompanist. There are, of course, a wealth of great individual Schubert Sonata interpretations that differ from, and even surpass Kempffs individual readings. But if you love the Schubert Sonatas, your life will be poorer for not knowing Kempffs irreplaceable recordings.