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Schumann
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A superlative collection of Schumann's warm chamber music for piano, clarinet and strings. The mellow timbre of the viola is particularly to the fore on this disc, which also features an historic recording of Schumann's Contrabandiste ('The Smuggler') by the great pianist Shura Cherkassky.Contrasting delicate melodies and syncopated rhythms, the Märchenbilder ('Fairytale') exploits both the caressing sonorities and the vibrant energy of the viola, as does the beautiful Adagio and Allegro, heard on this disc in its version for viola and piano. In the dream-like miniature Märchenerzählungen ('Fairytales'), it is the clarinet that is the dominant instrument, its special qualities perfectly caught by Schumann's amiable writing, given feeling interpretation by Robert Plane.Following the witty piano piece Der Contrabandiste is the substantial Piano Quintet in E flat, the first significant work of its kind. A supremely accomplished piece in which piano and strings are seamlessly unified in their musical expression, the Quintet ends with a superb fugue. The work is relished by Peter Frankl and The Lindsays, resulting in the outstanding performance heard on this disc, combining perfect ensemble-playing with energy and spontaneity. Only $11.98 - Click here to buy now! |