Schumann: Carnaval Op. 9 (Slåttebrekk, Kissin)

Schumann’s pianistic output is characterized by ardent impulses and unexpected withdrawals, impetuosity and tenderness, psychological introspections and fantastic dreams, and an idealism of pure romantic brand. The Carnaval Op. 9 displays Schumann’s great creative sense and all of his fantastic ideas in 21 short pieces, each representing a character in the comedy of art (Pierrot, Arlequin, and Pantalon et Colombine), or a composer (Chopin, Paganini, or Chiarina, which represent Clara Wieck), or Schumann himself, represented by Eusebius and Florestan, his calm and impetuous style. Slåttebrekk’s is delicate in slow movements and has a fabulous charm in every passage. Kissin’s performance is, in my opinion, the best ever recorded, with a flawless approach to each virtuosic passage. Slåttebrekk: 00:00 - Préambule 02:21 - Pierrot 04:27 - Arlequin 05:29 - Valse Noble 07:41 - Eusebius 09:49 - Florestan 10:46 - Coquette 12:17 - Replique 13:19 - Sphinex 14:02 - Papillons 14:42 - (Lettres Dansantes) 15:31 - Chiarina 17:07 - Chopin 18:26 - Estrella 18:56 - Reconnaissance 20:38 - Pantalon et Colombine 21:39 - Valse Allemande 22:36 - Paganini 23:57 - Aveu 25:23 - Promenade 28:13 - Pause 28:29 - Marche des Davidsbundler contres les Philistins Kissin: 31:58 - Préambule 34:04 - Pierrot 35:12 - Arlequin 36:11 - Valse Noble 38:17 - Eusebius 40:23 - Florestan 41:17 - Coquette 42:51 - Replique 43:47 - Papillons 44:24 - (Lettres Dansantes) 45:19 - Chiarina 46:47 - Chopin 48:01 - Estrella 48:30 - Reconnaissance 50:07 - Pantalon et Colombine 50:58 - Valse Allemande 51:50 - Paganini 53:00 - Aveu 54:09 - Promenade 56:30 - Pause 56:46- Marche des Davidsbundler contres les Philistins