Schumann: Quintet in E-flat major

Experience the timeless elegance of Robert Schumann's Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44, masterfully performed by the legendary Sir Clifford Curzon and the esteemed Budapest String Quartet. This album, released by Past Classics, captures a historic 1951 recording, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy a classic interpretation of Schumann's beloved work.

Sir Clifford Curzon, renowned for his virtuosity and deep musical insight, brings his signature finesse to the piano part, while the Budapest String Quartet complements him with their signature warmth and precision. The four movements of the quintet—from the lively "Allegro brillante" to the march-like "In modo d'una marcia," the spirited "Scherzo molto vivace," and the concluding "Allegro ma non troppo"—are all presented with a sense of unity and cohesion that only a live performance can offer.

Recorded in the acoustically superb Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., this album benefits from the rich, resonant sound that has made this venue famous. The monaural recording captures the intimacy and immediacy of the performance, allowing listeners to feel as though they are in the room with the musicians.

At just over 30 minutes, this album is a concise yet profound exploration of Schumann's genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this recording of the Quintet in E-flat major is sure to captivate and inspire.

Sir Clifford Curzon, born Clifford Michael Siegenberg, was a distinguished English classical pianist renowned for his virtuosic technique and profound musical insight. Born in London in 1907, Curzon began his piano studies at the age of six, drawn to the instrument for its solitary nature. He honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later with esteemed teachers such as Artur Schnabel, Wanda Landowska, and Nadia Boulanger.

Curzon's early career was marked by his dynamic performances of Romantic and virtuoso repertoire, as well as his advocacy for modern works. His musical journey was deeply influenced by his family's musical background, with his mother being a talented amateur singer. Throughout his life, Curzon was celebrated for his interpretations of classical piano masterpieces, earning him the title of Britain's only world-class pianist by many music critics.

Curzon's final public appearance in the United States was a memorable performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy in 1978. His legacy endures as a testament to his artistic brilliance and dedication to the piano. Sir Clifford Curzon passed away in London in 1982, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire classical piano enthusiasts worldwide.

Discover Genres at Vinylscout

jazz

rock

metal

bebop

singer-songwriter

avant-garde

nederpop

soul

proto-punk

rap

krautrock

drone

Tracks

More albums by Sir Clifford Curzon

Brahms: Tragic Overture, Piano Concerto No. 2 & Symphony No. 3

Brahms: The Piano Concertos

Bartók: Violin Concerto No. 2; Rawsthorne: Piano Concerto No. 2

Brahms: Liebeslieder-Walzer; Neue Liebeslieder-Walzer

Schubert: Piano Quintet, D. 667 "Trout"; Beethoven: Septet, Op. 20

Clifford Curzon and George Szell Beethoven and Brahms Piano Concertos

George Szell conducts Brahms Violin Concerto and Piano Concerto No. 2 live in New York

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2; Franck: Variations symphoniques; Litolff: Concerto Symphonique No. 4

Bruckner and Mozart complete live concerto conducted by George Szell

Grieg: Concerto pour piano, 10 Mélodies & 3 Pièces pour piano

Brahms: Piano Concertos 1 & 2 by Clifford Curzon

Clifford Curzon - Gold Selection

Szell Conducts Brahms

Clifford Curzon - Piano

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23

Curzon Plays Grieg and Franck

George Szell: Concertos & Symphonies

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto, No. 1, in B Flat Minor, Op. 23

More Piano Giants: Clifford Curzon, Vol. 6

Beethoven: Eroica Variations / Schubert: Moments Musicaux / Britten: Introduction & Rondo alla burlesca; Mazurka elegiaca

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 9

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 8

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 7

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 6

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 5

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 4

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 3

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 2

Milestones of a Piano Legend: Sir Clifford Curzon, Vol. 10

Brahms: Piano Works

Grieg Peer Gynt & Piano Concerto in A Minor

Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 & Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27

César Franck: Piano Quintet in F Minor - Symphony in D Minor

Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, "The Trout"

Dvořák: Piano Quintet No. 2, Op. 81, B. 155, Clifford Curzon vs. Gregor Piatigorsky

Clifford Curzon & Vienna Octet: Piano Quintet in a Major, D. 667, "Trout Quintet"

Schubert: Four Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899, Maria Yudina vs. Clifford Curzon

Schubert: Four Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935, Rudolf Serkin vs. Clifford Curzon

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 27, Robert Casadesus vs. Clifford Curzon

Brahms: Variations On a Theme By Haydn

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 15

Franz Schubert, Vol. 2

Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major, Op. 83

Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat major, Op.73, Emperor

Clifford Curzon Edition: Complete Recordings

Falla Vol. 2 - Keyboard Works

Gieg: Piano Concerto in A - Litolff: Concerto Symphonique No. 4 - Franck: Variations Symphoniques

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23, Piano Concerto No. 20, Adagio and Fugue

Piano Classical Best

Album Description

About Sir Clifford Curzon

Best vinyl LP prices!