Composer: Robert Schumann
Performer: Alexander Melnikov, Jerusalem Quartet
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Harmonia Mundi
Catalogue: HMC902122
Release: 2012
Size: 932 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op. 47
01. I. Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo
02. II. Scherzo. Molto vivace
03. III. Andante cantabile
04. IV. Finale. Vivace
Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44
05. I. Allegro brillante
06. II. In modo d’una Marcia. Un poco largamente
07. III. Scherzo. Molto vivace
08. IV. Finale. Allegro, ma non troppo
The Piano Quintet Op.44 and Piano Quartet Op.47 date from a brief period during which Schumann focused his attention intensively on chamber music (between June 1842 and January 1843). These works underline his wish to escape from the solo piano, now ‘too restricted’ for his overflowing imagination, as he told Clara. The Quintet, which made a powerful impression on Wagner, is probably one of his most sophisticated works, into which Schumann poured all the creative energy he derived from meticulous examination of similar works by his predecessors, especially Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert.
Alexander Melnikov joins the Jerusalem Quartet, nominated for a 3rd BBC Music Magazine Award in 2012.
