Schumann's pianistic output is characterized by ardent impulses and unexpected withdrawals, impetuosity and tenderness, psychological introspections and fantastic dreams, and an idealism of pure romantic brand. The Carnaval Op. 9 displays Schumann's great creative sense and all of his fantastic ideas in 21 short pieces, each representing a character in the comedy of art (Pierrot, Arlequin, and Pantalon et Colombine), or a composer (Chopin, Paganini, or Chiarina, which represent Clara Wieck), or Schumann himself, represented by Eusebius and Florestan, his calm and impetuous style.
Slåttebrekk's is delicate in slow movements and has a fabulous charm in every passage. Kissin's performance is, in my opinion, the best ever recorded, with a flawless approach to each virtuosic passage.
Slåttebrekk:
00:00 - Préambule
02:21 - Pierrot
04:27 - Arlequin
05:29 - Valse Noble
07:41 - Eusebius
09:49 - Florestan
10:46 - Coquette
12:17 - Replique
13:19 - Sphinex
14:02 - Papillons
14:42 - A.S.C.H S.C.H.A (Lettres Dansantes)
15:31 - Chiarina
17:07 - Chopin
18:26 - Estrella
18:56 - Reconnaissance
20:38 - Pantalon et Colombine
21:39 - Valse Allemande
22:36 - Paganini
23:57 - Aveu
25:23 - Promenade
28:13 - Pause
28:29 - Marche des Davidsbundler contres les Philistins
Kissin:
31:58 - Préambule
34:04 - Pierrot
35:12 - Arlequin
36:11 - Valse Noble
38:17 - Eusebius
40:23 - Florestan
41:17 - Coquette
42:51 - Replique
43:47 - Papillons
44:24 - A.S.C.H S.C.H.A (Lettres Dansantes)
45:19 - Chiarina
46:47 - Chopin
48:01 - Estrella
48:30 - Reconnaissance
50:07 - Pantalon et Colombine
50:58 - Valse Allemande
51:50 - Paganini
53:00 - Aveu
54:09 - Promenade
56:30 - Pause
56:46- Marche des Davidsbundler contres les Philistins
