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In 1839, following a visit to Vienna, Schumann composed Faschingsschwank aus Wien (Carnival Jest from Vienna). This is a musical depiction of pre-Lenten carnival time in Vienna, which the composer referred to as a "romantic theatrical presentation". The opening movement, with its quotation from the Marseillaise the main jest, pokes fun at the Austrian government's censors who had banned the playing of that anthem. Elsewhere we find music that is bittersweet, playful, passionate, and finally exhuberant. Widmung (Dedication or Devotion) was originally composed as a song by Schumann as part of a cycle given to his bride Clara as a wedding present in 1840. It was transcribed for piano by Liszt in 1848. Schumann's Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp minor was completed in 1835, and written as a "pure outpouring of love for Clara". Indeed, he borrows the opening theme from Clara's "Scene Fantastique" (Op. 5), following it with an unpublished Fandango of his own from 1831. Elsewhere he plunders an earlier song, "To Anna", written in 1828, amidst much original writing of passion, wit, reflection and triumph.
Felcman has appeared in recitals and with orchestras in the Salon Dorado of the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Musikverein in Vienna, Summer Festival in Toulouse, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Bach Festival in Philadelphia, Herbst Theater in San Francisco, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC, Yale University, Hofstra University, Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Texas in Brownsville, Zimmerli Arts Museum at Rutgers University and in many other halls. In addition to performances, she frequently conducts master classes at colleges and universities. Marta Felcman started piano studies at the age of four with Hebe Brandenburg in her native Argentina. Her musical development has been influenced by a succession of distinguished teachers, most notably Hans Graf at the Musikhochschule in Vienna; Paul Badura-Skoda also in Vienna; Louis Kentner and Peter Katin in London and Rosalyn Tureck in New York. Her debut CD, released in September 2002, includes works by Scarlatti, Bach/Busoni, Guastavino, Schumann and Ned Rorem, who wrote, “not only my piece, but all the others, are played with care, understanding and prowess.” Commenting on a pre-release copy, Gramophone Magazine critic Laurence Vittes wrote, ”on the basis of the CD, she is quite a major artist!” Her second CD devoted to works by Robert Schumann was issued by Eroica Classical Recordings in September, 2006 in commemoration of the composer’s anniversary. It has received accolades for her passionate and sensitive interpretations. Critics have praised Ms. Felcman’s "greatest musical sophistication" (Washington Post) and hailed her performance as "one of the finest recitals in this writer's memory....power and dexterity...pure musical enjoyment" (Richmond Times, VA). The renowned British pianist Peter Katin said her Schumann “has to be one of the most imaginative performances I have heard” Her recordings have been featured in documentaries and in films. Born in Buenos Aires, Marta Felcman has lived in New York City since 1983.
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...one
of the most imaginative performances I've ever heard...
Marta
Felcman, a leading Argentine pianist, quickly established herself
internationally as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber musician. Winner
of a number of important piano competitions in her native country, her
performances won critical acclaim in the press in Europe, South America
and in the United States. She is praised for her sensitive musicianship
and interpretive genius. Audiences appreciate her warm engagement and
her vast repertoire that ranges from Bach to Rorem and includes Argentinean
composers.
