Customer Reviews

Schubert: 'Wanderer' Fantasy, d. 760 / Schumann: Fantasie in C, Op. 17

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To my mind, this recording is one of Pollini's most outstanding accomplishments--up there with his early recordings of the Chopin Etudes, Preludes and Polonaises, and his still unsurpassed recordings of the final five Beethoven piano sonatas. Pollini's concentration is formidable, and it seems to me that with his flawless technique he can accomplish anything at the keyboard. I have two other recordings of the Wanderer Fantasy (Brendel, Richter) and admire them as much as Pollini's; all three divine the narrative flow of the four movements that comprise this piece, and their respective interpretations, with all their subtle differences, are all worth having and comparing. But its the explosive passion of Schumann's Fantasy that sets this recording apart. To my mind this must be a very difficult piece to play and interpret, since it's so moody--stormy and gently lyrical and then back to stormy again within the space of a few bars. This is where Pollini's control over a piece comes into play. He never loses his grip on Schumann's developing drama, so that the triumphant (and overwhelmingly climactic) third movement seems as inevitable as it is beautiful. I haven't liked some of Pollini's recordings from the last decade, but this one from the early 70's reminds me why he continues to be one of my favorite pianists.

This disc comes first in my discography of Schubert. But in its first release, the Wanderer-Fantasie was coupled with Sonata D 845. This owed us the best possible compilation of two incomparable interpretations for two great Schubert's works. On the other hand, Schumann's Fantasia was coupled with Sonata No. 1. As a result, we had two equally outstanding recordings.

In this new release, Pollini has no rival in "Wanderer-Fantasie" and even Perrahia might sound prosaic facing such implacable rigor and balance. As to Schumann's Fantasia, Richter and Perrahia are, in my view, the best alternative but Pollini knows how to combine poetic expression and scrupulous respect of structures so that the global architecture of the work never dilutes. In the third movement, this impression of dilution present in Perrahia's reading is patent in Richter's rendering because both artists gave primacy to the expression of the evanescent character of feelings. Pollini never looses sight of the lines while keeping the tension alive from beginning to end. In this perspective, his interpretation might be more satisfactory.

Perrahia also couples Schubert's and Schumann's Fantasias on the same disc (CBS). Every lover of those works should have both discs.

Schubert's piano music is incredible, and I return to it so often. In the past I believed the 'Wanderer' to be inferior to the sonatas, impromptus, and four-hand music. What an incredible difference Pollini's interpretation makes. He plays with such clarity; I understand now the grandeur and magnificence of this piece. In Pollini's hands it is one of Schubert's finest compositions.

This album has the same effect on me as Pollini's recording of the late Beethoven piano sonatas. This is incredible music played just how I like it.

It's good to be aware that some have taken issue with the sound quality on this recording it. I, however, am not bothered by it.

I have had a more difficult time latching onto Schumann's piano music and thus do not feel qualified to comment on the Schumann Fantasie Op. 17 included here, though the other reviewers certainly seem to hold it in high esteem.

UPDATE (Nov. 2008): On further listening Pollini has absolutely sold me on Schumann, so much so that I have purchased all of his Schumann recordings (all of which I highly recommend). The praise given to the Fantasie by the other reviewers is fully justified.

This is an odd coupling of Pollini's early recordings in the Deutsche Grammophon Originals series. Pollini's version of Schubert's "Wanderer-Fantasie" was marred by technical problems, which this digitally remastered version doesn't quite overcome. Unfortunately, his version isn't nearly as compelling as those I've heard from the likes of Kempff, yet Pollini's performance remains technically proficient. The real treasure has to be Pollini's exceptional performance of Schumann's Fantasia; his most recent recordings of Schumann's music for Deutsche Grammophon only enhanced his reputation. Pollini's playing of the Fantasia is replete with warmth as well as splendid technique.

As one reviewer notes, the Schubert Wanderer Fantasie was originally issued on LP coupled with the Sonata in a minor D845. That LP was my first solo piano LP, and did it get me hooked! I had no idea solo piano could be so dynamic and powerful, but still engage the heart in soul-searching ways. Pollini combines deep and profoundness with momentum and drive. You never go to sleep on this music, but you also don't feel driven over-driven.
Nothing ever seems glossed over with Pollini, but, unlike many other pianists who explore the intrinsic qualities of romantic works like these Fantasies, he never lets his exploration drag to the point of monotony. The Schumann, while a lesser know work than the famous Schubert, is certainly an even more incredible performance.
I, though, like one other reviewer noted, find it shameful that Universal issued these Fantasies without their accompanying Sonatas. Even more shameful, in 2002 Universal issued those two sonatas in a single disk as part of this same remastering series ("The Originals") catalog #463676-2, but it is not available in North America. It is available from Amazon as an import, asin # B00006L76P. I wouldn't be without either disk.

Is this the same Pollini that I hear in his recordings of Schubert's late sonatas and Three Piano Pieces?

This Wanderer Fantasie sounds like a finger exercise - and one that the pianist was just beginning. The touching was taut, like after frost bites on the pianist's nimber fingers, and the dynamics are harsh. NO, this Wanderer Fantasy can safely be disregarded.

As for the Schumann Op. 17, it is totally another matter.

Here, we hear Pollini in top form. The touching is uncannily expressive; the technique jaw-dropping. The depth of emotions displayed in all the movements simply staggering. The very opening of the first movement hails the dawn of an absolutely masterful performance.

Schumann can be a composer most difficult to deal with by any pianist if the interpretor is sloppy.

Never so with Pollini. He goes right to the bottom of the piece, and digs up each and every bit of substance of this piece. Hearing him play this piece tantamounts hearing Schumann himself playing it: totally convincing, deeply moving.

Four stars for the varied standard of the two pieces.

I did not expect too much from this CD. After all, there is a fine recording of Schubert's Fantasy with Richter. I did not think that Pollini could add nothing more to that repertoire. Other good pianists had already contributed in this romantic repertoire .

Surprise!

Pollini, with his obsessive aesthetic, highlight details, with an intense and emotional sense at the same time an intellectual vision that makes us understand more deeply the work.

Very good!

I must admit that I'm being a little hard on Pollini by giving this recording such a low rating, but the Wanderer-Fantasie (which is the piece I'm really interested in), while technically flawless, has none of the élan of my favourite recording, that being Clifford Curzon's mono recording on Decca. This one seems dull, metronomic and, simply put, woefully inadequate next to Curzon's brilliant use of rubato, shifting tempi and rock-solid rhythms to convey the emotion of the piece.