WALTZING AWHILE WITH WEBER
Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 10/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For our delectation, pianist Eva Schieferstein has gathered together Weber's elfin children: the waltzes, dances, sketches and polonaises that span his life. One might think this a tad too much of a good thing; however, at every turn, every twirl, every spin, Weber [1786-1826] keeps us entranced--- from the early Ten German Dances, Op. 4 (written in 1801), through the wonderful Eighteen Favorite Waltzes (1812) and Polacca brillante, Op. 72 (1819) to the final "Max Waltz" of 1825, written shortly before his death--- completely, unabashedly entranced, entertained and thoroughly delighted by his invention, melody, originality. For those who enjoy the German Dances of Schubert, Czech Polkas of Smetana or Waltzes of Chopin and Dvorak, this disc will be a treat, as will Ms. Schieferstein's innocently teasing and warmly recorded playing.
[Running time: 72:21]"