Haydn: Piano Sonatas Nos. 32, 40, 49, 50

Haydn’s sonatas have emerged from the shadows to find life under the fingers of some magnificent modern pianists. Paul Lewis, perhaps inspired by his mentor Alfred Brendel, engages with a quartet of works, creations that abound not only with immense creativity and imagination but also with a truly life-affirming wit and humour. And Lewis doesn’t sell that side of Haydn short—his finger work sparkles, the lines are unfurled with supreme logic but he also brings a smile to the lips. Here’s an album that makes you hope for many more to follow: it’s a revelation and a real joy.