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Llŷr Williams, who previously performed the sonatas of Beethoven and Schubert for Signum, is now focusing on Schumann’s piano pieces. It is unclear if this two-disc set is the beginning of a larger collection. The liner notes do not provide any indication and do not explain why Williams chose these six particular works. The selected pieces range from Opus 2, Papillons, completed in 1831, to Faschingsschwank aus Wien Op 26, composed eight years later. The set also includes two well-known works, the C major Fantasy Op 17 and the Op 6 cycle Davidsbündlertänze, along with the lesser-known Humoreske Op 20 and the enigmatic Nachstücke Op 23.
In the first movement of his work “Fantasy,” Williams takes a serious and intense approach, using broad and dignified paragraphs. Despite lacking impulsive excitement, the scherzo still maintains a lightness and the technical challenges are handled with ease. The finale also showcases a genuine lyrical flow, although the emotions may feel distant. While some of the smaller pieces within the larger cycles may seem too calculated, the overall performances are flawless and clearly demonstrate thoughtful and authoritative playing.
Listen to it on Apple Music (above) or on Spotify.
Source: theguardian.com
