Schumann: Works for Piano and Orchestra / Gerhard Oppitz, - Tudor - TDR 7181 - 812

Album Summary
Notes & Reviews
Also Purchased
Works Details

Album Summary

Schumann, Robert : Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 54

Schumann, Robert : Introduction and Allegro for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, Op. 134

Schumann, Robert : Konzertstuck for 4 horns & orchestra in F major, Op. 86

Schumann, Robert : Introduction and Allegro appassionato for Piano and Orchestra in G major, Op. 92

Performer

Gerhard Oppitz (Piano)

Conductor

Andreae, Marc

Ensembles

Bamberg Symphony Orchestra

Composer

Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)

Notes & Reviews:

During his short and turbulent life, Robert Schumann often composed as if in a trance. This exuberance, this impulsivity is particularly apparent in his works for piano and orchestra, all closely connected to his love for Clara Wieck. - "A cross between symphony, concerto and great sonata, not a concerto for the virtuoso" was his aim - and this is brilliantly realized; however, these works require a virtuoso with nimble, as well as strong and sensitive fingers, a pianist able to recreate Schumann's unique romantic world. Gerhard Oppitz achieves this in exemplary fashion, flawlessly mastering the technical demands in an interpretation imbued with a very personal passion for one of our greatest composers - all the while supported by and in dialogue with an orchestra ideally suited to his vision: the Bamberger Symphoniker.

"[Oppitz] has the work so much under his fingers that it's as if nothing is a problem for him...the result is sleek without penetrating the surface....Oppitz's performances of [the couplings] are more compelling than his Concerto." -Gramophone

"This unlikely transcription [of the Konzertstuck] proves to be not only likeable but also something to return to, aided in this case by a lively and vivid performance, with Gerhand Oppitz a deft and sensitive pianist and Marc Andrae inspiring a detailed response from the excellent Bamberg Symphony Orchestra...As for the familiar Piano Concerto, this receives an unsentimental performance" -International Record Review

ClassicsToday.com
Gerhard Oppitz, Marc Andreae, and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra offer the three principal piano and orchestra works by Robert Schumann as grouped in a concurrent release featuring Angela Hewitt, adding the piano transcription of the Op. 86 Konzertstücke for four solo horns. It's good to hear the latter in such a spirited, joyful, and sonorous performance.

Notes & Reviews:

Recording information: Joseph Keilberth Hall, Bamberg, Germany (06/28/2010-07/02/2010).