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Schumann / Schubert - Piano Works

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Label: Audite

Cat No: AUDITE92512

Barcode: 4022143925121

Format: Hybrid SACD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Instrumental

Works

Schubert, Franz

Piano Sonata no.20 in A major, D959

Schumann, Robert

Faschingsschwank aus Wien (Carnival in Vienna), op.26

Artists

Hisako Kawamura

Works

Schubert, Franz

Piano Sonata no.20 in A major, D959

Schumann, Robert

Faschingsschwank aus Wien (Carnival in Vienna), op.26

Artists

Hisako Kawamura

About

Two months before his death in 1828, Franz Schubert wrote three final piano sonatas which form the high point of his piano oeuvre. Above all, the A major Sonata, D 959 is characteristic of Schubert's highly individual handling of sonata form. Figured themes, episodic extensions, but also rhythmic wit, bold outbursts and perfect proportions make it a Schubertian delicacy. Despite the high musical value of his compositions, the Viennese master's production was already forgotten a few years after his death.

It was Robert Schumann who persistently pushed for a revival of the "great" C major Symphony of Schubert, thus turning the attention of the musical world towards the Viennese composer. Schumann also occupied himself intensively with sonata form: his "Faschingsschwank aus Wien" (Carnival Jest from Vienna) is an original attempt at an alternative to the sonata cycle. Outwardly continuing the idea of a series of character pieces that he had realised in "Carnival," Schumann is less concrete in this work; it is marked by abrupt contrasts, varying between effervescent lightness and inward-looking reflection, wandering harmonies, passionate, fantasy-like expression and high virtuosity. Schumann follows his own advice in this sonata-in-disguise: "So go ahead and write sonatas or fantasias (what does the name matter?), but don't forget the music, and implore the rest from the good genius."

The up-and-coming pianist Hisako Kawamura, born in Japan and now living in Germany, has won prizes at international competitions. Her greatest successes so far have been winning first prize at the International Casagrande Competition in Termi, Italy in 2002 and third prize at the Geza Anda Competition in Zurich in 2003. Numerous concert engagements have taken her through Germany and Europe. This SACD is Hisako Kawamura's impressive recording debut.