Schumann first sonata

[gradus]

A rarity these days and probably never a regularly programmed piece, this afternoon Francesco Piemontesi gave a performance to remember of RS's magnificent first sonata. Look no further for bliss Schumannophiles!

[Flay]

Look no further for bliss Schumannophiles!

Thanks. It did take a little looking to eventually find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/b0bb3wy3

1 hour and 1 minute in

[Pianorak]

Thanks, gradus. Will listen to it on catchup - one of my favourite Schumann piano works. Here's M. Perahia's take on it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruV4V5mPwW8

[Nick Armstrong]

A rarity these days and probably never a regularly programmed piece, this afternoon Francesco Piemontesi gave a performance to remember of RS's magnificent first sonata. Look no further for bliss Schumannophiles!

Caught part of a performance of it the other day by Martin Helmchen on TTN (1.38am, early hours of Thursday 21/6) and realised I didn't know it at all. Welcome flag, gradus, thanks - Piemontesi is one of my favourite young pianists

[Nick Armstrong]

Thanks. It did take a little looking to eventually find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/b0bb3wy3

1 hour and 1 minute in

Thank you Flay! That would have foxed me otherwise.

[Flay]

Thank you Flay! That would have foxed me otherwise.

It wasn’t on the schedule, which is lazy of them. It was worth the sleuthing though.

[gurnemanz]

I am one of those aforementioned "Schumannophiles" and have three recordings: Pollini, Gilels on BBC Legends, mono 1959, and Jörg Demus. My favourite is Pollini who seems to me to get everything right with crystal clarity. The Gilels is a thrilling live BBC Studio account of a work which was said to be very dear to his heart, with fast speeds (9.45 mins for the 1st mov). I also enjoy Demus with slightly less appealing piano sound (on the great value Documents label complete solo piano edition).

[Bryn]

I am one of those aforementioned "Schumannophiles" and have three recordings: Pollini, Gilels on BBC Legends, mono 1959, and Jörg Demus. My favourite is Pollini who seems to me to get everything right with crystal clarity. The Gilels is a thrilling live BBC Studio account of a work which was said to be very dear to his heart, with fast speeds (9.45 mins for the 1st mov). I also enjoy Demus with slightly less appealing piano sound (on the great value Documents label complete solo piano edition).

Presumably, you managed to miss out on the short-lived ultra-bargain price of the Dana Ciocarli survey. Generally very fine playing and musicality, with excellent piano sound.

[gurnemanz]

Presumably, you managed to miss out on the short-lived ultra-bargain price of the Dana Ciocarli survey. Generally very fine playing and musicality, with excellent piano sound.

[/IMG]

I remember that from - presumably - the bargains thread but resisted. I'm showing unaccustomed restraint lately.

[Bryn]

I remember that from - presumably - the bargains thread but resisted. I'm showing unaccustomed restraint lately.

I ordered six sets. Schumann is a composer held in high regard by many of the erstwhile Scratch Orchestra members I remain in frequent contact with. I have passed on sets to some of the pianists among them, and each has commented on how much they appreciated her approach to the works.

[gradus]

Apologies to all for forgetting to give the map reference.

[verismissimo]

Haven't listened to it in ages. I have Malcolm Binns and Earl Wild, both on LP. The Binns still sounds great! Will audition the Wild again later …

[verismissimo]

Haven't listened to it in ages. I have Malcolm Binns and Earl Wild, both on LP. The Binns still sounds great! Will audition the Wild again later …

Actually, I've also got it in a complete set of Schumann piano music by Jorg Demus. Generally I find his Schumann muscular but lacking poetry - this sonata no exception.

[ahinton]

I remember wonderful performances and a BBC broadcast of this work by Yonty Solomon; I don't know if BBC has retained its copy of the recording...

[Pianorak]

. . . a BBC broadcast of this work by Yonty Solomon . . .

I first got to know this work listening to Yonty practising/playing this Schumann sonata (early sixties). Loved it ever since. Can't remember a BBC broadcast.