Maria Joao Pires is one of the most internationally renowned pianists working today. With a recording catalogue spanning back more than 20 years, she has a deft touch that makes any work she chooses to record an instant classic. The only problem I would say with her most recent recording of Schubert Piano Sonata’s No. 16 & 21 is that she makes it sound too easy. The Allegro movements are fast paced with exacting finger work that doesn’t show the thousands of hours of practice over her career which started at the age of 5. It is truly the work of a great master pianist.