Schumann R
The Forgotten Danish Pianist Arne Skjold Rasmussen (Danacord)
Forgotten but Restored: the art of a fluent, fleet but nervous Danish pianist and Nielsen specialist [JW]
Wilhelm Backhaus (piano) Complete Acoustic & Selected Electric Recordings (APR)
A wonderful completion of APR’s series exploring Backhaus’ exciting early recording career [RCh]
Karl Eliasberg (conductor): Schumann & Berlioz (Maestro Editions)
This transfer from a chuff-spattered LP is a non-starter [JW]
Schumann: Symphony No. 1; Strauss: Sinfonia domestica (Orfeo)
(Déjà Review) Mitropoulos’ readings offer a must-hear, never less than fascinating experience [CC]
Juilliard String Quartet: Great Collaborations Vol. 5 (Sony Classical)
An anthology of classic, highly varied recordings spanning over a quarter of a century from major music-makers [RMo]
Louis Kaufman (violin): Violin Sonatas (Biddulph)
A generously well-filled disc featuring an outstanding fiddle player [SG]
Cordelia Williams (piano): Cascade (SOMM Recordings)
A fine recital of miniature masterpieces [DC]
An Invitation at the Schumanns’ (Harmonia Mundi)
A delightful easy-listening programme with a couple of more substantial morsels [GF]
Louis Kaufman (violin): Violin Sonatas (Biddulph)
A stylish release featuring a quartet of sonatas played by the sumptuous tonalist Louis Kaufman [JW]
Schumann: Kinderszenen (Apex)
(Déjà Review) Superb pianism and a complete immersion in Schumann’s most extreme psychology [DS]
Soaked in Colour (Fuga Libera)
There are a few winners here, but no consistency [MP]
Schumann, Clara Schumann & Brahms: Benjamin Grosvenor (piano) (Decca)
Magnificent playing weaves together the music of this intimately connected trio [RCh]
Eugene Goossens – Cincinnati Symphony Vol 2 (Pristine Audio)
More pluses and some minuses with Goossens in Cincinnati [JW]
Brahms by Arrangement Vol. 2 (Toccata Classics)
Three successful orchestrations, especially that of the Piano Quintet [SB]
Invisible (NoMadMusic)
Women composers showing themselves more than a match for the men! [DMD]
Otto Klemperer (conductor): The Remastered Edition (Warner Classics)
Klemperer consolidated; his full Warner legacy in best-yet transfers [JW]
Eugene Goossens – Cincinnati Symphony Vol 2 (Pristine Audio)
So-so Stravinsky, nervous hyper-fast Schumann and masterly Tchaikovsky [RB]
Schumann: Etudes Symphonique (ClassicVoice)
A disappointing recording of one of the masterpieces of the romantic piano repertory [MSt]
Moment of Eternity (Genuin)
A beautifully executed programme of solo piano music that has identity as its theme and its concealment behind masks [MSt]
Schumann: Lieder (Berlin Classics)
These fifty-year-old recordings are classics and admirers of Schumann and Peter Schreier should own them, but the documentation is scanty [GF]
Frederick Stock (conductor) Chicago Symphony Vol. 2 (Pristine Audio)
Frederick Stock and his Chicago forces excel in major repertory [JW]
Georg Nigl (baritone): Echo (Alpha Classics)
Georg Nigl is a magnificent storyteller – do not miss this well-filled disc [GF]