Raghu Kakumanu ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

>Alone among the great composers for the piano, I am unable to appreciate
>Robert Schumann.  ...
>
>...  I would like to hear Richter and Michelangeli in Schumann, but I am
>reluctant to spend more money on a composer I don't seem to understand or
>appreciate.

I had a similar problem until I heard the Richter recital on DG (recorded
in the early 60s).  That somehow broke through the barrier and I am now
able to appreciate other performers too.

>The one large scale Schumann piece I am able to appreciate somewhat is
>the Carnaval (both the Cortot and Rachmaninoff versions).  ...

Funnily enough with me it was the Etudes Symphoniques that I could stand.

Deryk Barker
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