Search - Robert Schumann, Ann Schein :: Schumann: Davidsbündlertänze; Arabeske; Humoreske

SCHEINING LIGHT ON SCHUMANN

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 06/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ann Schein approaches Schumann with an attractive romantic impetuosity, though never at the expense of lyricism or nuance, and obviously eschews flamboyance for its own sake. Her balance between the composer's dual nature is exemplary, her keen sense of design indelibly pointed. The felicities are many, not least of all Schein's wonderful use of rubato and her fascinating poetic leanings, all of which are exceptionally Schumannesque. Schein's rendition of the Davidsbundlertanze, Op. 6, clocking in at nearly thirty-eight minutes, has a nice "rough and ready" feel about it, a humble honesty, and with the poignant vignettes interwoven so charmingly, a unique originality. The same holds true for the Humoreske, Op. 20, the kinship of which Schein elicits remarkably well. The Humoreske, I think, finds her more introspective than most pianists, and quite fetching, adding an emotional depth otherwise neglected. The Arabesque, Op. 18, twenty seconds shy of eight minutes, is concentrated, melancholy and thought-provoking. I can just see Schumann sitting at his piano, pensive, hands resting on the keys.



[Running time: 73:18]"

The Romantic Tradition

Melvyn M. Sobel | 03/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wonderfully playing continuing the tradition of two of her teacher's, Rubenstien and Hess. Technically impeccable, grounded in the Russian tradition -- interpretatively simple and direct a la Artur, warm enveloping tone included. Having worked with her personally, I can assure you that you will be hard pressed to find much better on the market today from contemporary pianists, and it's a pity that this recording will most likely stay relatively unknown. Nonetheless, if you are reading this considering whether or not to purchase, I strongly urge you to do so; you will see that in this modern age, the Romantic School of piano playing lives on."