Recording Review #69: Imbued Impromptus

 

Schubert: Impromptus Opp. 90 & 142. Eric Lu, pianist. Warner Classics 2173286931.

It's always interesting to watch how the careers of International Chopin Piano Competition winners unfold. This recording is the first release after Eric Lu's victory at the latest such contest in 2025. But it is the second Schubert disc he has produced for Warner, the first appearing in 2022 and featuring the D. 784 and 959 sonatas plus the D. 915 Allegretto (Warner 5054197298127). Having listened to both recordings, I must say that it is easy to see why Mr. Lu took fourth prize in the 2015 event and won outright in 2025. His occasionally expansive tempos may take some getting used to, but they are underpinned by unmistakably sensitive musicianship. I watched a substantial number of the 2025 Chopin Competition performances (via YouTube), and I had no doubt all along that Lu would at least be in the prize-winner conversation. Schubert Impromptu recordings are plentiful, but here again Lu distinguishes himself. 

My first thought as the initial track (Op. 90, No. 1 in C Minor) played was, "wow, he's taking the molto moderato part of the tempo direction solemnly to heart." But as with the sonatas disc, I stuck with it and before long was coaxed into Lu's way of seeing things. This is gentle, velvety pianism extremely well suited to the repertoire. I quickly decided I could live with some extra deliberation. And on it went through both of the sets. Time and again Lu comes up with another shading to color one of many tender moods. Of course Op. 142/2 in A-flat is one of those pieces with which we're overly familiar. But somehow Lu plays the middle section more ethereally than I have ever heard it. The B-flat variations in the same set exude grace and next-level delicacy. 

Somehow Lu accomplishes all of this and more while truly living up to these miniatures' shared title: his playing sounds spontaneous without being capricious. It's as if he's discovering new things to say from piece to piece, and from measure to measure. Moreover, they nearly always seem to be the right things, even when we haven't quite experienced them before. Nor does he disappoint in the more dramatic moments, as the stormier portions of Op. 90, Nos. 2 and 4 show. It's just that they're sometimes a bit outclassed by his instinct for intimacy.

Lu is one of those special performers with the ability to make us experience well-worn repertoire completely afresh. I admire many interpretations of these pieces, with those by Krystian Zimerman (DG 423 612-2), Maria João Pires (DG 457 550-2), and Alfred Brendel (Philips 411 040-2) probably being my favorites. Honestly, I think I have to add Lu's to the group. They have grabbed ahold of me and not let go. I like them a little more with every listen. Where will his recording career take him next? It's just something else to look forward to. 

Verdict: Warmly Recommended