Sentimental Work: Arnold Steinhardt
By Christian Lloyd2022-05-03T08:08:00
For the former leader of the Guarneri Quartet, Schubert’s Fantasy in C major is one of the most life-affirming works in the repertoire, as well as a test of technical skill
If I ever had to be marooned on a desert island, Schubert’s Fantasy in C major would be coming with me. For me, listening to it for those 25 minutes is like understanding the meaning of life and the mysteries of the universe. Schubert wrote a number of monumental works towards the end of his life, and I’m very grateful that one of them was for violin and piano – even though it’s one of the hardest in the repertoire, for both players!