BaL 26.10.24 - Schumann: Piano trio 1 (in D minor)

[LMcD]

(like others here I find the reviewer chosen for this unlistenable-to... )

.

At this rate, the choice of reviewer might soon generate more comment and controversy than the choice of best recording!

[Mandryka]

I wonder why the Schumann piano trios aren't better known.

[smittims]

Schumann has a sort of jinx over him. His symphonies. lovely though they are, were long regarded as 'box-office death'. His Fantasy in C, surely one of the masterpieces of the 19th-century solo piano repertoire and arguably his finest single work , is not well-known among the music-listening public. I suspect one has to get to know his music before it reveals its marvels. The people who speak warmly about it (e.g. Joan Chissell and Imogen Cooper) tend to be those who have spent years studying it.

[Mandryka]

A violinist said to me once that his string music is uncomfortable to play.

[LMcD]

Schumann has a sort of jinx over him. His symphonies. lovely though they are, were long regarded as 'box-office death'. His Fantasy in C, surely one of the masterpieces of the 19th-century solo piano repertoire and arguably his finest single work , is not well-known among the music-listening public. I suspect one has to get to know his music before it reveals its marvels. The people who speak warmly about it (e.g. Joan Chissell and Imogen Cooper) tend to be those who have spent years studying it.

Is there anything more joyful than the opening of the 'Rhenish' symphony - an ideal introduction into the works of this composer?

[Barbirollians]

Schumann has a sort of jinx over him. His symphonies. lovely though they are, were long regarded as 'box-office death'. His Fantasy in C, surely one of the masterpieces of the 19th-century solo piano repertoire and arguably his finest single work , is not well-known among the music-listening public. I suspect one has to get to know his music before it reveals its marvels. The people who speak warmly about it (e.g. Joan Chissell and Imogen Cooper) tend to be those who have spent years studying it.

I had a record of Brendel playing the Fantasy and the Fantasistucke- I literally wore it out when i was at university .

[Barbirollians]

I have the Florestan and very fine they are and the classic CTC recording on Naxos.

[Darloboy]

Only covered by BaL once before, in December 2011, when Erica Jeal chose Kogan, Rostropovich, Gilels with the Florestans as a modern recommendation.

I think Voces Intimae were also considered as a period version...

[Pulcinella]

Recommended version
Horszowski Trio
Avie AV2405

(Also added to the OP.)

[Ein Heldenleben]

Recommended version
Horszowski Trio
Avie AV2405

(Also added to the OP.)

An interesting connection there.

this is from the Trio’s website

“The Trio takes its inspiration from the musicianship, integrity, and humanity of the pre-eminent pianist Mieczysław Horszowski (1892–1993); the ensemble’s pianist, Rieko Aizawa, was Horszowski’s last pupil at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. “

I once caught the Schumann Fantasy being played late Sat Pm while in the car on the way to the beach . I quickly became aware that this was a remarkable performance of a work that is not only insanely technically demanding but also musically very difficult . It wasn’t Richter who played it superbly . Had to stay in the car on ti hear the whole thing. Im pretty sure it was Horszowski in a BBC recording but I don’t think a CD exists . I think it’s the best performance I’ve ever heard. I’d give anything to hear it again.
One of the all time greats .

[Alison]

It seems like nobody tuned in to hear Allyson.

No, I didn’t either.

[Pulcinella]

It seems like nobody tuned in to hear Allyson.

No, I didn’t either.

Apparently we're all listening to Tom in the morning instead.

[richardfinegold]

I have a lot of Schumann on my shelves but I only have the Florestan Trio here. I haven’t listened in years as I never developed any love for the Trios

[LMcD]

It seems like nobody tuned in to hear Allyson.

No, I didn’t either.

Sorry - when was Alice on?

[silvestrione]

It seems like nobody tuned in to hear Allyson.

No, I didn’t either.

I was going to tune in last night, but I tend to lose the will to live, with that presenter, and didn't. Now I am hoping someone on here will say 'it was really good, you must listen!'
I love Schumann but don't know the chamber music. (On the Fantasia in C, it's Richter, Pollini, or a live version by Arrau, for me)