Search - Cary Chow :: Zirkus (Step Inside): Piano works of Robert Schumann

WHAT ON EARTH IS 'ZIRKUS'? The short answer, German for circus, conjuring up images of a different era, bombarding the visitor with fantastical sensory, physical and psychological stimuli, sometimes hilarious, sometimes disturbing. More specifically, Zirkus is the latest release from Vancouver concert pianist Cary Chow, featuring two great piano works from the Romantic era, Carnaval and Kreisleriana by Robert Schumann. Carnaval is actually a large, satirical collection of short pieces depicting various personalities from the 19th century, mostly musical figures such as Chopin and Paganini, staple characters from the commedia dell'arte (Italian improv theatre), and people closely associated with Schumann (like his wife Clara). Certain movements are events (Aveu, confession; Promenade, etc) and the final March is surely intended as an Armageddon of sorts between the Davidsbuendler (the next generation, the New Guard) against the cultural Philistines. The cover photo is of a Trifaccia Oro, a traditional Venetian carnival mask, often employing commedia dell arte characters. The Trinitarian concept of three faces one may take any way they wish, but ostensibly they are Comedy, Tragedy and Chaos. Kreisleriana is based upon E.T.A. Hoffmann s fictional character Johannes Kreisler, the genius, unpredictable, itinerant, compulsive and brilliant Kapellmeister. Anyone seeking a literary equivalent and companion to the music on this CD will be enthralled with Hoffmann's Kreisleriana and Life and Opinions of Tomcat Murr. Cary Chow is a concert pianist and artist-level teacher in Vancouver, BC Canada, a survivor of the 'child prodigy syndrome', as a concert performer recently referred to as 'a combination of Vladimir Horowitz and Ozzy Osbourne', known affectionately (or otherwise, depending on who you talk to) by students and colleagues as The Enforcer. So now it is time to step inside Zirkus! Watch your head, tread carefully, and prepare to be thrilled.