Composer: Robert Schumann
Performer: Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Dénes Várjon
Orchestra: WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln
Conductor: Heinz Holliger
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Audite
Catalogue: AUDITE97717
Release: 2016
Size: 599 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Violin Concerto in D Minor, WoO 1
01. I. Im kräftigen, nicht zu schnellem Tempo
02. II. Langsam
03. III. Lebhaft, doch nicht schnell
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
04. I. Allegro affettuoso
05. II. Intermezzo. Andantino grazioso
06. III. Allegro vivace
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, Janácek 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.