R. Schumann: Complete Symphonic Works, Vol. Iv

Description

This fourth volume of the complete orchestral works by Robert Schumann presents both his most underestimated and his most famous concertos. Patricia Kopatchinskaja takes the experimental qualities of the Violin Concerto, a late work, as a guiding principle, rising above clichéd Romanticist tradition in a typically distinctive, energetic interpretation. This 'de-Romanticised' reading clearly distinguishes Schumann s Violin Concerto from the glittering Romantic concertos of the time, contrasting brilliant, attention-seeking virtuosity with musical mastery at the service of an overall concept. In the Piano Concerto, Dénes Várjon also expresses a particular Romantic clarity, characterised by fresh sounds and fluid tempi. He trusts in the impact of the work standing on its own by opting for an approach that is not overly Romanticist. His stringent interpretation is informed by many years of performing Schumann, including his chamber works. Denes Varjon has a track record with Schumann recordings: his CD of the Sonatas of Robert Schumann recorded with Carolin Widmann was released in 2008. His recording of Schumann pieces with the cellist Steven Isserlis was released in 2009 on the Hyperion label. His solo CD with pieces of Berg, Janáček and Liszt was released in January 2012 by ECM, with whom he has also recorded works by Heinz Holliger, who requested Varjon for this Audite project. The next instalment in this series is set to follow in March: volume five of the Schumann edition, featuring Patricia Kopatchinskaja with the 'Violin Fantasy', alongside Alexander Lonquich with the' Konzertstücke' for piano, as well as the 'Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra'. April will see the release of the edition s final volume, showcasing the 'Zwickau' Symphony as well as the complete Overtures. Review: Sadly, so badly scratched that it is unplayable. ... - Sadly, so badly scratched that it is unplayable. I cannot imagine how it passed any inspection it might have had. Review: Fair piano concerto but ...... - Schumann's wife and the violinist Josef Joachim tried to suppress the violin concerto but plenty of excellent performances from the 1930s when the work was resurrected until the present day have shown they were mistaken - I specially enjoy Ulf Hoelscher's with the Dresden Staatskapelle and there are several others. But the violinist here is new to me and seems determined to prove Clara Schumann and Joachim were right - the first movement seems interminable and the speed is irregular, the line continually stretched and broken up. and the further two movements are no better. Miscast to put it mildly, and very unfair on a concerto which has been maligned in the past. The pianist Dénes Várjon is very familiar from chamber performances in local venues - I had never head him perform with orchestra before and he gives a direct and sensitive performance with the orchestra cooperating appropriately. Four or five stars for the piano concerto but hard to raise any for the violin.