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Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
„Schumannia“
Works for Violoncello and Piano
Guido Schiefen, violoncello
Markus Kreul, piano
1 Hybrid-SACD
MDG 903 1971-6
UPC-Code:
Magical Enterprise
Schumannia – a better title could hardly have been
selected for this SACD! Here Guido Schiefen and
Markus Kreul present Robert Schumann’s works for
violoncello and piano. The fact that the composer
originally intended only his “Stücke im Volkston” for
these instruments is hardly detrimental to this
enterprise – but just the opposite! Schiefen’s highly
imaginative, multifaceted, and virtuosic cello
playing with excellent bowing enables the listener to
experience Schumann’s chamber music in a very
special way and enhances these wonderful songswithout-words with superb new magic.
Incomparable Atmosphere
For example, the incomparable atmosphere of
Eichendorff’s “Zwielicht” is endowed with such
compelling tension that we hardly miss the text, and
Schiefen takes the liberty of playing the last strophe
in octaves (something no singer could do!) going
over into the eerie exhortation: “Be on guard! Keep
awake and alert!” Ophelia’s despair, immediately
evoked by Markus Kreul with great intensity in the
few tones of the piano’s prelude, is very palpable in
“Herzeleid.”
Universal Envy
Although the title “Stücke im Volkston” might
suggest otherwise, these pieces of folk character
hold the greatest difficulties in store for the cellist.
An accomplished virtuoso is required to convey
their simplicity with the necessary technical
brilliance. Just listen to how the two chamber music
specialists render the playing instruction “with
humor” in the first piece! The Adagio and Allegro
was originally intended for the horn, but Schiefen
and Kreul’s “fiery” atmospheric picture will arouse
the universal envy of horn players.
Indisputable Mastery
The duo members also display their great class in
the “Fantasy Pieces” and the “Three Romances.”
Here absolutely manic enthusiasm for romanticism
sparklingly radiates from each and every measure –
a gripping musical experience captured on a finely
balanced Super Audio CD – just like the real thing
and of course in three dimensions.
“Classica Argentina” - Astor Piazzolla
Francisca Beaumont, alto
Anette Maiburg, flute
Joaquin Clerch, guitar
Guido Schiefen, violoncello
MDG 610 1578-2
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