Schumann - Sonata no. 1 in F sharp minor

[rohansahai]

I'm about to start this work. Since it is not that frequently played, it would be great to get any kind of comments, tips, must-hear recordings etc about this piece.... etc etc.
Thanks.

[rohansahai]

hellooooo.. where are the schumann fans?

[franzliszt2]

I love this piece, and think its not fair that people do not play it lots. I never did learn it all, although did learn a lot of it.

Kissin recorded it, but its not too great, bit boring in my opinion. Leif ove Andsnes has recorded it, and I enjoyed it. Them are only recording's I've heard

[frederic]

Hi there. it's great you are learning this. It was on my "wish list" for this year, but i've got so much things on my plate at the moment i thought i might leave it to next year. Since it is a substantial composition and requires a lot of work. May i suggest Pollini's recording. His reading of it is full of drama and poetry. Highly recommended. Also, see if you can get hold of Ashkenazy's. Another one of my favourites. Good luck!

[sallenson]

Fantastic piece.

I'd concur with the Pollini comment. A great performance back in days when he communicated. I wouldn't go near Ashkenazy (for anything, ever). Big ommission, though. Try and hear the Gilels performance (on one of the BBC discs with Bach and Scarlatti). I doubt you'll ever hear a better performance for sheer sound. If you're not hooked after 8 bars you're not alive......

[joell12068]

I recommend Leonard Pennario's recording.  A great performance, although the sonics are not the best as the recording dates from 1959.

[superstition2]

I've not heard it. But, I can't think of any Schumann I particularly like, although one of the Scenes from Childhood was fairly convincing when Horowitz played it in Moscow.