Composer: Franz Schubert
Works: The Wanderer Fantasy D760, The German Dances D783, The Grazer Fantasy, Landlers D790, D734, D366, Valses Nobles D909
Performers: Walter Hautzig, piano
Recording: Recorded at the John Addison Concert Hall, Fort Washington, Maryland, December 1996
Label: Americus AMR19971004
Franz Schubert, whose brief but prolific life spanned the late Classical and early Romantic periods, remains a towering figure in the realm of piano music. His works often reflect a duality: a profound lyrical expressiveness juxtaposed against a playful engagement with form and dance. This recording by Walter Hautzig encapsulates this duality through a selection of pieces that illuminate Schubert’s inventive spirit, both in the expansive Wanderer Fantasy and in the charming simplicity of his dance forms.
Hautzig’s interpretation of the Wanderer Fantasy is particularly noteworthy for its clarity and structural insight. This monumental work, which integrates themes from Schubert’s song “Der Wanderer,” showcases not only the composer’s technical mastery but also his ambition to transcend traditional sonata form. Hautzig dissects the thematic material with an acute sense of balance and contrast, effectively navigating the intricate transitions between the fantasy’s four movements. The pianist’s dynamic shading and articulatory choices allow the work’s inherent drama to unfold organically, particularly in the second movement, where the thematic transformation breathes life into Schubert’s melodic invention. Hautzig’s decision to allow the lyrical lines to sing freely, while maintaining a robust harmonic foundation, echoes the interpretative practices of earlier Viennese pianists, making his approach both historically informed and deeply expressive.
The collection also features a delightful array of dance music, including the German Dances and Ländler. Here, Hautzig captures the essence of Schubert’s dance forms—simple yet profound. The dances, likely born from improvisational origins, are rendered with a buoyant spirit that invites listeners to revel in their rhythmic charm. Hautzig employs a gentle rubato that enhances the conversational quality of these pieces, allowing for subtle variations in phrasing that breathe life into the repetitive structures. The Valses Nobles, while less compelling than the dances, reveal Schubert’s ability to elevate the mundane through inspired harmonic shifts; Hautzig’s sensitivity to these moments, particularly in the second valse, draws attention to the genius at play.
The sound quality of the recording presents a mixed bag. While the overall recording captures Hautzig’s nuanced playing, the bass can occasionally come across as boomy during climactic passages, and some sections exhibit a boxy quality. These technical shortcomings, however, do not detract significantly from the listening experience, as Hautzig’s artistry shines through. The recording was made as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of Schubert’s birth, and it serves as a fitting tribute to the composer’s enduring legacy.
Walter Hautzig’s performances on this disc embody the spirit of Schubert—combining lyrical depth with a joyful embrace of form. His interpretations are both thoughtful and technically proficient, making this recording a commendable addition to the Schubert discography. It stands as a reminder of the composer’s remarkable ability to blend sophisticated musical ideas with accessible charm, capturing the essence of both the Romantic spirit and the Viennese musical tradition. The overall programming, with its balance of larger works and lighter fare, offers a delightful journey through Schubert’s imaginative landscape.
