Pianist Hyewon Chang makes her Navona Records debut on Fantasie Reflections, a carefully crafted collection of fantasias from Mozart and Schumann. Chang’s fluent attention to temperance in Mozart’s 'Fantasia in C Minor (K. 396)' captures improvisational elements and collaborative effect in Maximilian Stadler’s completion of the 1782 composition. Chang also treats the wide range of captivating themes nestled in the folds of 'Fantasia in D Minor (K. 397)' with equal musicality and assurance; the same for 'Fantasia in C Minor (K. 475)', a pinnacle of Mozart’s repertoire given new breath in an unwaveringly grand iteration. The album is rounded out with Schumann’s 'Fantasie in C Major', a journey into the innermost impassions, dedications, and toils of the composer himself...

Fantasie Reflections showcases pianist Hyewon Chang's skills as an artist. The pieces here, by Mozart and Schumann, beautiful illustrate the performer's passion for the pieces included.

Whilst having different styles and approaches to composition, Mozart and Schumann's pieces sit beautifully side by side as a seamless work. Chang masterfully navigates the works with a gusto and energy that shows her dedication and love for each piece.

Whilst this is by no means an essential recording, there's enough here to make it worth purchasing for fans of solo piano music. A delightful, uncomplicated collection of richly layered pieces.

Track listing:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
01. Fantasia in C minor, K. 396 (11:23)
02. Fantasia in D minor, K. 397 (5:57)
03. Fantasia in C minor, K. 475 (11:52)

Robert Schumann
04. Fantasie in C major, Op. 17: I. Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen; Im Legenden-Ton (12:47)
05. Fantasie in C major, Op. 17: II. Mäßig. Durchaus energisch (7:57)
06. Fantasie in C major, Op. 17: III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten. (10:22)

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Darren Rea