Schubert, Schumann: Fantasies

1	Fantasia for piano in C m
2	Fantasia for piano in C m
3	Fantasia for piano in C m
4	Fantasia for piano in C m
5	Fantasie (Obolen auf Beet
6	Fantasie (Obolen auf Beet
7	Fantasie (Obolen auf Beet
Schubert, Schumann: Fantasies
1.	Fantasia for piano in C major ("Wanderer"), D. 760 (Op. 15) 21:42
	Composed by Franz Schubert
	Performed by Maurizio Pollini
2.	Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17 30:47
	Composed by Robert Schumann
	Performed by Maurizio Pollini

Barnes & Noble

The fantasy is the quintessential form of the so-called Romantic period in music because there's nothing formal about it: A fantasy is whatever the composer wants it to be. Schubert's "Wanderer" Fantasy may resemble a classical sonata in its four-movement structure, but there's a free-flowing quality that is, well, fantastic. Which is not to say that this piece meanders. In fact, Schubert's most propulsive piano work goes off like a shot from the starting line. The second movement is a series of slow, trembling variations on Schubert's own song "The Wanderer," but the other movements move like the wind, especially the furious final fugue. Robert Schumann's Fantasy in C Major is more temperamental, with many sudden changes in mood. It's also dreamier; even when the music surges and swirls, there's a visionary quality that has given this fantasy a hallowed place in the pianist's repertory. The extraordinary final movement -- a mesmerizing, slow meditation -- closes the piece in a state of quiet bliss. In these much-lauded performances, Maurizio Pollini -- a pianist known for his classical poise and flawless fingerwork -- finds plenty of poetry, and his magisterial approach serves both works beautifully. Andrew Farach-Colton

Daily Telegraph

One of the catalogue's true classics.... A performance that supremely marries aristocratic poise and lucidity with Dionysian energy. Richard Wigmore