Search - Franz Schubert, Leonid Kuzmin :: Leonid Kuzmin plays Schubert: Sonata in D, D. 850; Fantasia in C, D 760 "Wanderer Fantasy"; Soiree De Vienne: Valse Caprice No.6

Leonid Kuzmin has made several recordings for this label, though he is fairly unknown otherwise. Some of them are better than this one. Schubert wrote the Wanderer Fantasy as a virtuoso showpiece, but he didn't intend for it to sound this hurried (except for the places where Kuzmin makes damaging ritards). The last two movements of the Sonata are well played, with a particularly jaunty final rondo. But the first two are full of rhythmic distortions and inappropriate display. If this whole disc were as well played as the Liszt transcription or the last two movements of the Sonata, it would be recommendable. Try Richard Goode (Nonesuch 79271-2) or Sviatoslav Richter (Praga PR 254 031) for the Sonata, Detlef Kraus (Vanguard OVC 8099) for the Fantasy. --Leslie Gerber