Mitsuko Uchida Plays Schumann's Carnaval, Op. 9 - Part IV

[s1earle]

In my youth I had the Decca coupling of Julius Katchen playing both the Wanderer Fantasy of Schubert and Carnival; I treasured both and having heard so many other renditions through the ensuing years still thought that Katchen was the very best - this one is very good but does not rank above Katchen's well-recorded performance: Not to say that personal taste might differ but that is my view.

[cadinho36]

just the best Carnaval ever! I don't know if rach3 belongs to Horowitz, but Uchida have onwed it. BRAVO!

[hunterman0953]

I came upon this hard on the heels of listening to her recorded Schubert and Mozart Sonatas, and the Schumann confirms absolutely what I have been thinking, which is that she seems to have the most phenomenal powers of concentration, allowing her to penetrate the music as only very few pianists are able to.

[mikosaaol]

got to love the way she end this piece...........stunning

[mlankaod]

I am speechless and tearful... something in your playing, Mrs. Uchida goes straight into my heart! Have I ever heard MUSIC before??? I don't think I have! Thank you, thank you, thank you...

[MrLacidaremlamano]

So let's say that the Carnaval belongs to Mrs Uchida... (like Rachmaninov said his third concerto belonged to Horowitz (even if he dedicated to Hofman)

[fanny0820]

version beaucoup plus schumannienne

permettant l'accés aux fameuses harmoniques hautement suggestives

en couleurs ,chez ce poéte musical symphonique .

rien à voir avec l'impressionnisme démontré précédemment ,cependant trés louable mais pas réaliste , à notre humble avis .

Alain Leboeuf.

[IrinaRiedel]

Oh, My God, what a pleasure!

Many thanks!

[mikern2001]

Clarity of vision.

[Pischnaholic]

In 60 years of concert-going and serious study I've never before heard Carnaval played so beautifully with such perfect control, magnificent sound and wonderful articulation of every detail.

It may sound foolish, but I burst into tears during the finale. This is the performance to end all performances of this favorite work. -- a dream come true.

I hope Ms. Uchida experiences for herself the joy and deep satisfaction she gives to others. Many play well, but few reach this level of greatness.

[theringisking]

@Pischnaholic I heard her do this piece live a few years back and was totally blown away. Incredibly, the last part, the "Marche des Davidsbundler" was even more powerful than this performance.

IMHO Ms. Uchida is the finest living pianist.

On April 21, she will appear at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda, MD and will play another Schumann favorite of mine, the Op. 17 Fantasie in C. I wouldn't miss it for anything.

[concerto35]

@theringisking This is sublime and resplendent rendition. It is indeed a stellar performance, the likes of which I have not heard before. It gave me shivers and goose bumps to hear that she would be playing the Schumann Fantasie in C major. That piece hits a raw emotional nerve, and I imagine she would bring out the great introspective beauty and wonder of this work like no one else. Sir, you are in an enviable position, being able to experience this first hand.

[theringisking]

@concerto35 The Fantasie was wonderful, but I was actually more impressed with her playing of Davidsbundlertanze. I think my expectations were skewed since I'm so used to the Horowitz recording of the Fantasie. Uchida's interpretation was more thoughtful and revealing and, I have no doubt, a lot closer to Schumann's intentions than that of Horowitz who, after all, never met a score he couldn't interpretively mangle.

[jarabaa]

@Pischnaholic Bursting into tears doesn't sound foolish at all. It's just about the only appropriate response. Yes, her playing is ... heaven. Others try to find the words. But sometimes we have to go through the Gates of Tears.