Robert Schumann(1810-1856)
Davidsbundlertanze, Opus 6
Ann Schein
Ivory Classics 71006
Recorded 1998
Couplings: Arabeske & Humoreske
TT 73:18
Born in 1939, Ann Schein has had a distinguished performing and teaching
background. She gave her first public concert at the age of seven, has
performed with the leading orchestras and conductors of the world, and
is considered one of the leading music teachers in the United States.
She has been performing Schumann's Davidsbundlertanze for decades, and
the recording under consideration definitely speaks of an intimacy with
the work. Why isn't she famous like Richter or Perahia? Likely because
she has not looked for fame and its trappings.
There is only one aspect of Schein's Davidsbundlertanze which is less
than outstanding, and it concerns the Florestan movements. Although
excellent with much strength and exuberance, Schein does not offer the
wildness, disorientation, and intensity brought forth by Gieseking or
Backhaus.
What Schein does offer better than any other artist is the portrayl of
Eusebius. Only in her versions is Eusebius a haven for enlightenment
and complete satisfaction. Each of the Eusebius pieces exudes this
haven, and it has a cumulative impact which is most noticed when listening
to the entire work at one sitting.
How does Schein manage this transcendent level of performance? Although
there is certainly the intangible element of artistry involved, a few
technical elements are quite advantageous. First, the sound quality
of the recording is clear, rich, and spacious. Second, pacing is as
natural and logical as I could want. Third, accenting, inflections, and
articulation are perfectly and beautifully conceived and executed. All
the above contributes to heavenly intervals full of meaning and poignancy.
Add in Schein's intimacy with the work over the decades and a gorgeous
piano tone, and all the ingredients are in place for the most completely
formed and revelatory Eusebius on disc.
The prime Eusebius movements are numbers 2, 5, 7, 11, 14, 17 and 18. By
the time the last movement is complete, I feel like I'm glowing from my
oversized head down to my perfectly formed toes. Schein's 2nd and last
movements are particularly insightful/sublime and the best I've ever
heard.
Don's Conclusions: "Schein lights up Satz" essentially covers my view
of Schein's reading of Davidsbundleranze. If you would like to glow,
just go to the Ivory Classics web-site and buy your very own copy. Her
versions of Humoreske and the Arabeske will be reviewed at a later date,
but I can confidently state that the entire disc is a treasure.
I have one more version of Davidsbundlertanze to review, and it's from
Imogen Cooper on Ottavo. Once accomplished, I will reveal the one version
which I feel best exemplifies the full range of themes emanating from
Florestan and Eusebius.
Don Satz
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