Wilhelm Backhaus - Schumann: Fantasie in C major, Op. 17

Schumann, Robert (1810-56)
Schumann: Fantasie in C major, Op. 17
I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen - Im Legendenton - Erstes tempo
II. Mäßig
III. Langsam getragen
Wilhelm Backhaus (piano)
Recorded: 13 May 1937
Wilhelm Backhaus (1884-1969) left a 60-year recorded legacy which began in 1908, but the champion of Beethoven and Brahms we know from his later years performed a much wider repertoire before the war. This set focuses on this more ‘romantic’ repertoire - his Chopin études from 1928 were the first complete recorded cycle and still astonish with their virtuosity. His Schumann Fantasy is another landmark recording, the 78rpm era benchmark, and what a delightful surprise it is to hear him in his own spectacular transcriptions or in works by Albéniz and Moszkowski.

[@noemiamaria1430]

❤FANTÁSTICA ❤

[@berthill2305]

This would be one of the earliest recordings of the Schumann opus 17. Backhaus was one of the artists who bridged the gap between nineteenth century and and today's piano playing. His playing is instantly recognisable and is compelling listening.

[@bobgold57]

To my ears, his greatest recording--though some of the Beethoven Sonatas are absolutely worth hearing. There's something more pliable here--in a sensitive way--perhaps he was in his prime in his early 50's. A great recording to post!

[@GarthAstrology]

I'm in complete agreement with @bobgold57. This is definitely his greatest recording for me as well. His playing is so supple and expressive, even within the context of his usual unsentimental rhythmic directness. Much more so than his Brahms solo recordings from the same period.