Among Schubert's large-scaled late sonatas, the G major "Fantasy-Sonata" D. 894 rivals the posthumous B-flat in lyric serenity. Alain Planès brings accomplished objectivity to this difficult-to-sustain work, but lacks the nuanced inspiration needed to enliven its ruminative qualities. There's little spring to the pianist's spiky, militant treatment of repeated rhythmic sequences, both in the sonata and throughout the Six Moments Musicaux. In fairness, Planès does make the reflective second and sixth pieces truly sing. Among readily available, single-disc versions of D. 894, Mitsuko Uchida's multi-hued dynamic shadings and limpid poetry stand out from the competition (Philips). Likewise, Clifford Curzon's sensitively voiced, exquisitely timed recreations of the Moments Musicaux on Decca retain their benchmark status.

--Jed Distler