A very personal account of two of Schumann's masterworks, the Papillons and Davidsbündlertänze. In these two works, Schumann presents his inner world of characters from the fictitious 'Davidsbund' based on the novels of Jean-Paul, featuring such diverse personalities as Florestan, Eusebius, Estrella and Chiara - characters with whom Schumann identifies his own opposing characteristics. Florestan is his fiery, heroic and impulsive side; Eusebius is his tender, reflective and dreamy side.

Denis Proshayev plunges deep into this dreamlike world, letting his fantasy run free on the whims of Schumann’s “fantastic” outpourings. His playing is totally free and spontaneous, whilst never losing the logical thread of the musical discourse.

Denys Proshayev was born in 1978 in Russia, his most important teacher being Vladimir Krainev. Among his many successes at International Piano Competitions is the First Prize at the ARD Competition in Germany. He has previously issued a CD on Sony Classical with music by Rameau.