Robert Schumann(1810-1856)
   Davidsbundlertanze, Opus 6

Geza Anda
Aura 175
Recorded 1965
Comparative Versions: Gieseking/Kempff/Rosen

Aura is an Italian label primarily dedicated to live performances from
Italian venues.  Of the few Aura recordings I have heard, the overall sound
quality is very good.  This applies to the present disc as well, although
the sound can take on a clangy quality at powerful moments.  The main thing
is that the projection is clear and expansive.

As for Geza Anda, his version of the Davidsbundlertanze is among the best
on record.  Outside of the first movement which is a little subdued for my
tastes, every movement is stunning and inspirational.

Anda's 3rd Movement is a model of exuberance, vitality, and great joy which
leaps out of the speakers.  The urgency of Anda's 4th Movement is sharply
etched and at a peak level.  The 5th Movement, a Eusebius piece, is savored
in a delectable fashion, while Florestan's galloping battle scene in the
6th Movement is treated with a vengence by Anda.

The 'reaching out' qualities of the 7th Movement are conveyed with the
same depth and exceptional articulation provided by Walter Gieseking.  The
perpetual motion and strength of Anda's 8th Movement is impressive, and the
combination of tenderness and tension in the 9th Movement can't be beat.

The 10th Movement, one of my favorites in the set, again reveals Anda
to have full command over music blending lyricism with strong power and
angst.  Descending lines, the all-important aspect of the 11th Movement,
are beautifully presented by Anda, and the humorous 12th Movement is given
a delightful twinkle and spring.

The 13th Movement is another piece mixing powerful and poignant passages;
Anda superbly portrays both themes.  Perhaps his best performance resides
in the 14th Movement where his tenderness and subtle urgency rivals Rosen
on Sony.  In the last four movements, Anda continues to impress with his
exuberant and heart-felt readings.

Don's Conclusions:  Geza Anda's Davidsbundlertanze joins the versions by
Gieseking and Kempff as the best on record.  Gieseking's is the wildest of
all performances, Kempff's is the most vivid actualization of the score,
and Anda is the most consistently engaging.  He is the man for all seasons
in this work and definitely merits an essential recommendation.

As for couplings, Anda offers Schubert's D.664 Piano Sonata and Chopin's
Opus 25 Etudes.  The Schubert performance is as exceptional as the
Davidsbundlertanze, matching the excellence of Richter.  I won't comment
on the Chopin, because I'll be reviewing it along with other versions of
Chopin's Etudes in the near future.  Suffice it to say that the entire disc
is ample proof of Anda's great artistry and is a must for any and all piano
enthusiasts.  Buy this disc immediately!

Don Satz
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