Emile Naoumoff - Schumann: Carnaval Op. 9, Fantasie Op. 17 & Mondnacht Op. 39 No. 5 (2022) Hi-Res

The great Bulgarian pianist and composer of Greek origin Emile Naoumoff who was Nadia Boulanger’s last disciple, continues his collaboration with the Parisian label Melism Records presenting a recital entirely dedicated to Schumann’s music. The program consists of two cornerstone works of German Romanticism, the Carnaval, Op. 9, a cycle of 21 “scènes mignonnes” set on four notes, and the Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17.

In the Carnaval, Schumann once more explores his imaginary characters inspired by those of Jean Paul, such as the contrasting personalities of Eusebius and Florestan, in a whirlwind of poetic atmospheres. In the Fantasie, Schumann uses Beethoven as his model, while also declaring his passion for Clara Wieck. The initial theme in C Major is inspired by the initial two letters of Clara’s first name through the German notes nomenclature’s C-A. It is undoubtedly one of the German composer’s greatest works where Emile Naoumoff offers his signature Finale’s coda, in the tradition of the ninetieeth century’s performance practices.