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Robert Schumann: Etudes Symphoniques, Op. 13 (Complete)

8,50

1 CD 

Classical Music 

Ivory Classics

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10 August 2022

In stock

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Description

644057100124

Robert Schumann:Fantasie in C major, Op. 17Toccata in C major, Op. 7Études symphoniques, Op. 13 (Symphonic Studies / Symphonische Etüden)

Artists

Earl Wild (Piano)

The Schumann playing here is surprising from a famous virtuoso like Earl Wild, since he avoids virtuosic display in most of this music. Wild’s playing on the opening Toccata, recorded live in 1974, is genteel and urbane, handling Schumann’s difficulties without a trace of exertion–until the climactic chords near the end, when the pianist goes wild, slamming them out in a rush. Overall, though, it’s a pleasing contrast to more aggressive performances by such greats as Sviatoslav Richter and Simon Barere. In the remaining two big works, studio recordings from 1990, Wild again stresses the lyrical and more relaxed elements in Schumann’s music. This leads to memorably songful interpretations of such music as the slower (mostly posthumously published) variations of the Études and the intensely introverted finale of the Fantasie. Some big moments (like the central march of the Fantasie) may seem underpowered, but that’s obviously the artist’s choice. Sound is fine in the live recording, a trifle boxy in the studio recordings. Not your basic Schumann performances, perhaps, but an intriguing alternative. –Leslie Gerber