Search - Schumann, Zayas :: Juana Zayas Plays Schumann

A STARRY CROWN FOR ZAYAS!

Dr. Richard A. Barrows | Paramus, NJ | 02/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Admirers of the awesome pianism of Juana Zayas exemplified in her recordings of the complete Chopin Etudes, Preludes, and the Bbm and Bm Sonatas will want to lose no time before acquiring this stunning new CD devoted to two major works of Robert Schumann: the Gm Sonata, Op. 22; and the monumental Fantasie in C, Op. 17. Also on this CD are the Liszt transcription of Schumann's song, "Widmung," and the "Romance." Op. 28, #2. Those familiar with Ms. Zayas' performance of the 27 Chopin Etudes will find her playing on this CD equally sensational and satisfying. The fearsome technical demands of the C major Fantasie appear to pose no challenge for her as is immediately evident in her playing of those terrifying right hand leaps in the concluding measures of the second movement, the nemesis for many of the finest concert pianists. Her all-encompassing technique is counterbalanced by the same self-effacing qualities that make her Chopin CDs, for all their virtuosity, so soul-stirring. Ms. Zayas profoundly understands the music she is playing. Her playing is devoid of distracting mannerism, flamboyance, and self-awareness. She lets Schumann speak for himself with no gratuitous "interpretation." From the passionate outburst of the opening measures of the Fantasie into the idyllic and triumphant measures of the daunting second movement through the sublimely poignant final measures of the "Starry Crown" movement, Ms. Zayas is in total command of this score and of her piano. In the first movement of the Gm Sonata, she wisely takes with a grain of salt Schumann's idiosyncratic tempo markings: "As fast as possible"; "Faster"; and "Faster still." But here again, as in her Chopin Etudes, her penchant for, but at the same time her ability to manage, breathtaking tempos demonstrate the depth and breadth of her musicianship and artistry. She has the innate instinct to know the "right" tempo for every note she plays. For example, a more profound and probing interpretation of the slow movement of the Gm Sonata and of the last movement of the Fantasie would be impossible to imagine. The transcription of "Widmung" on this CD is much more than an "amuse bouche: it alone is worth the price of the disk. Ms. Zayas' playing of these Schumann masterworks takes second place to none of the earlier, legendary recordings by Cortot, Arrau, Backhaus, Kempf, Rubinstein, or Horowwitz. An additional bonus are the beautifully written, scholarly program notes by Bryce Morrison."

A Treasure to Cherish

Anaximander | Athens, Greece | 02/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admit I listened to this album of Schumann masterpieces with some trepidation. After all, Juana Zayas, the interpreter, is renowned for being one of the best players alive -- if not the very best ever-- of Chopin's piano music. But then I realized that it was Robert Schumann himself who praised the early works of Chopin, and who called Chopin a genius. In fact, in Schumann's masterful work, "CARNAVAL," a series of short piano pieces, one of them carries the name of "Chopin." So I said to myself, if Schumann was obviously indebted to Chopin, whoever plays Chopin's music well should play Schumman's music as well, if not even better. I was not disappointed. Juana Zayas playing is outstanding. On first hearing, my hair literally stood as I listened to Ms. Zayas wonderful version of Schumann's Fantasie in C.

For many music theorists, Schumann is the very epitome of Romantic music. More than write music, he loved to evoke images with his music. Juana Zayas manages to do just that with her imaginative phrasing and secure touch. Not to mention her technique, which is both brilliant and persuasive.

The world of music should celebrate. For now we have someone who is not only to be treasured for playing Chopin, but for playing Schumann as well. Bravo for Ms. Zayas. I have only one more comment to make, and this is aimed at Ms. Zayas herself: What about a little Schubert?"

Another great recording by Juana Zayas

Roman Holiday | Rome Italy | 12/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time you come across any recording by Juana Zayas, whether it be her epochal interpretation of the Chopin Etudes (M&A) or her recital CD that includes works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, and Debussy, you usually don't know what to expect. But once you have heard one CD, then another and another, you grow accustomed to the high standards that Juana Zayas consistently delivers. This CD, featuring the music of Schumann, will not let you down either. The playing is clear, crisp, and passionate. After listening to this CD, you will feel that you have plumbed the depths of romaticism."