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So I talked to Mr. Garner's papa tonight and it was a seriously groundbreaking moment that led to some serious thought on my part. Last night I gushed on about the sheer genius of Schubert's D. 960 and while I still feel very affectionate and fond of the piece I'd temporarily forgotten my only true love: Schumann. And after listening to the original ending to his Op. 17 Fantasie over and over and over again I realized that Schubert and Schumann are wonderful and freakishly accurate images for my loves in life. Perhaps because I first fell in love with D. 960 when played by the first love of my life. But more importantly I realized that I love the whole sonata, from beginning to end because it's charming, painstaking in places and overall a complete joy to play/listen to....the beauty is consistent through out and my feelings for it are delightfully strong. BUT....when I listened to the Schumann last movement the feelings it evokes from me are unparalled. It is not just genius, it is divine. It is the most glorious music I have ever heard and the sheer power it holds over me is greater than anything in the Schubert. And although it's only minutes at the end that send waves of emotion through me and leave in weeping out of joy, bliss or pain, those few minutes surpass the entirety of D. 960. Having said that I adore both and I cannot wait for my recital, the Schubert will rock. But much like Mr. Garner they are my first loves and not the one love.....even now as I listen to it for the upteenth time in the last 24 hours my breath is taken away and I'm left entranced. *sigh* I love that Schumann was too self-aware to leave the original ending if only because it makes the original ending more scarce and therefore more enticing. What a man. I could love a man like that forever. So I've had my Schubert....now to wait for my Schumann. And on an ending note, I have to say my talk with Mr. Garner Senior did more for me than any analyzing, fretting, discussing, mulling or doubting I've done over the last years. Well done good sir, for today I thank you. :)