Robert Schumann(1810-1856)
    Kinderszenen, Opus 15

Annie Fischer, Piano
Recorded 1964
EMI Classics 69217(4cds)

This set is a 4-cd tribute to Annie Fischer featuring seven Beethoven
Piano Sonatas, two Schubert Impromptus, the Schubert Sonata D.960, and
Schumann's Fantasy in C, Carnaval, Kreisleriana, and Kinderszenen.  I
acquired the set through the Berkshire Record Outlet, and the short 10
days from order to delivery was very impressive.  To the best of my
knowledge, it is currently out of print, but Annie Fischer performances
usually get reborn a number of times.

Although many of Schumann's piano works deal with his Florestan and
Eusebius alter-egos, Kinderszenen revolves around the adult's view
of childhood.  As such, the extreme contrasts in works such as the
Davidsbundlertanze and Kreisleriana are not found in Kinderszenen.
Instead, this work is more subtle in nature and simultaneously conveys
the adult and child perspectives.  The child senses a joy of the world
and its wonders through discovery; the adult looks back with nostalgia,
regret, and melancholy on what he/she did with those discoveries through
maturation.

I had not listened to any version of Kinderszenen for a few weeks, so I
was looking forward to Annie Fischer's interpretation.  Overall, I find
it one of the most rewarding versions on record.  From my view, the most
crucial aspect of a Kinderszenen performance is to fully reflect in a
single note both the child and adult.  Fischer does this on a consistent
basis, and the effect is compelling.  Right from the start of the work,
"Foreign lands & people", it is obvious that every note does convey the
wide-eyed innocence and joy of the child as well as the nostalgic refrains
of the adult.

Another stunning feature of Fischer's performances is the intense
melancholy she offers which permeates the composition.  "Pleading Child",
"Dreaming", "Almost too serious", and the first section of "Slumbering
child" can bring tears to the eyes with Fischer's subtle intensity.  In
this regard, her version bears much similarity to the outstanding Ivan
Moravec release on Supraphon.

I do have a couple of small reservations.  First, there are certainly
versions which are more exciting and powerful.  Second, I would have
sometimes liked more edge to the contours as in "Curious story" where
Fischer's soft edges reduce the music's drive.  However, neither of these
aspects is very important, because Kinderszenen does not thrive on either
excitement or sharpness.

Concerning recorded sound, it isn't bad at all for the time period.
Piano tone is neither recessed nor abrasive, and Fischer's fully idiomatic
interpretations are in no way hampered.  There is some congestion in the
strongest passages, but only the use of headphones makes this congestion
noticeable.

Don's Conclusions: We can add Annie Fischer's version of Kinderszenen
to the other outstanding performances encountered previously in this
review project.  For blending of the adult and child roles, Fischer takes
a backseat to no other pianist.  Further, her display of melancholy goes
to the top of the charts.  Hopefully, Bershire Record Outlet has more
copies of the set, and you can enjoy her artistry as I have done.  Every
performance on the four discs is either excellent or superb, so I strongly
recommend you add the set to your home music library.

Don Satz
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