András Schiff, the renowned Hungarian-British classical pianist, delivers a captivating performance of Robert Schumann's works in his 2002 album, "Schumann: András Schiff in Concert." This album is a testament to Schiff's exceptional skill and his deep understanding of Schumann's romantic compositions.
The album features a carefully curated selection of Schumann's piano pieces, including the Humoreske, Op. 20, the Novelletten, Op. 21, and the Piano Sonata No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 14 "Grande." Each piece is performed with Schiff's signature precision and expressive depth, bringing out the nuanced emotions and technical brilliance of Schumann's music.
The album opens with the Humoreske, a playful and witty piece that showcases Schumann's unique compositional style. The Novelletten, a set of eight short piano pieces, follow, each offering a distinct character and mood, from the marked and strong first novellette to the very lively and humorous seventh. The Piano Sonata No. 3, also known as the "Concerto Without Orchestra," closes the album with its four movements, each demonstrating Schumann's mastery of form and expression.
Recorded in 2002 and released under the ECM New Series label, this album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone appreciating the romantic era's rich and varied piano repertoire. With a total duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Schumann's piano works, performed by one of the most respected pianists of our time.