Schumann: Piano Concerto / Sviatoslav Richter | Robert Schumann, Stanislaw Wislocki, ... |...

Schumann: Piano Concerto / Sviatoslav Richter | Robert Schumann, Stanislaw Wislocki, ... | One of Best Schumann-Only Discs Around

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Schumann: Piano Co...

	Schumann: Piano Concerto / Sviatoslav Richter Robert Schumann, Stanislaw Wislocki, ... Deutsche Grammophon, 1996 average customer review:based on 11 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

If you want to judge a pianist's versatility, listen to his or her recording of the Schumann Piano Concerto. It requires virtually everything a pianist should have to offer: poetry, virtuosity, expansive expression alternating with poised restraint. What a glorious test piece this is. Richter, who was famous for his Schumann playing, passes every test here. His meltingly beautiful delivery of Schumann's melodies touches the heart, and his execution of the most difficult passages is so smooth and effortless that it never calls a bit of attention to itself. In this piece and the Introduction and Allegro, the excellent orchestra also covers itself with glory. The solo pieces are no less wonderful. The way Richter plays the difficult Toccata is almost scary in its combination of power and velocity. The Forest Scenes is a slightly older recording (1956) than the others (1958), but it still sounds lovely. Catch Richter's whirlwind playing of "Traumes-Wirren" and you'll understand right away why other pianists had such respect for his technique. Listen to his "Prophet Bird" and he'll touch your heart. --Leslie Gerber

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Classic recording that lives up to its name

This CD came with a "classic" label on its cover, implying something special. In this particular case, the product did not disappoint. While the Schumann piano concerto is one of my favorites, the pianist, Sviatoslav Richter, was not well known in the west in that he was hidden behind the iron curtain for many years. Yet his rare performances that were witnessed by western audiences never failed to amaze. The current recording was made in Prague in 1957 or 1958. Richter's obvious virtuosity is evident from the artistic ease and expression that even the most difficult passages just float very pleasingly into one's ear.

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One of Best Schumann-Only Discs Around

Robert Schumann composed primarily for the piano and with this disc Deutsche Grammophon managed to compile an essential list of his works, interpreted by the master lyricist Sviatoslav Richter. All the works were recorded in eastern Europe before the pianist was allowed to travel to the West. The Waldszenen (1956) especially served as a visiting card to western audiences. The concerto is excellent, but not overwhelming; it's the Introduction and Allegro Appassionato that is the pinnacle of this album, hauntingly beautiful in its contrast of tenderness and majesty. From the solo pieces, the toccata makes a perfect showcase of Richter's class. Overall, the CD is a good introduction to Schumann and a nice sample of Richter at his most romantic.

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Keep coming back to this Schumann piano concerto

Over the course of time, I have listened to at least five different pianists play this Schumann piano concerto. Most recently I've discovered Klara Wurtz and find her refreshing to listen to in her well balanced lyrical interpretation and technical skills (Check her out! - she plays Schumann beautifully). But this classic recording will always be the #1 recording in my book.

It' no wonder Richter is still counted today as one of the top 10 pianists in recording history. Emil Gilels (a world known pianist) himself said, "If you think I'm something, wait until you hear Richter!" His playing is a delight to hear and the orchestra in this recording does him justice (regardless of what some negative reviewers have said). My point is, this is a great recording by a great pianist who nailed Schumann's piano concerto.

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Tonic for the Human Spirit

Unfortunately the most beautiful recording of Schumann's Piano Concerto was performed by Leon Fleisher and still unavailable on CD or for download.(Listen at your Library if they have the LP) That being said, Mr Richter provides a masterful and lovely performance. This sublime and poetic gift from Schumann lifts the spirit and burst open the heart. It provides not just an escape from the real world but an illumination of what is still beautiful in it. Enjoy!

Robert Schumann piano Sviatoslav Richter

Dexterity of Richter is world class . As a classical pianist I was disappointed with the frequency response of the recording. Although probably digitized still a lot of the frequencies were missing. If I had to choose again I would select a relatively recent performance .

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

Tracks
Konzert Fur Klavier Und Orchestera - Op. 54: 1. Allegro Affettuoso | Konzert Fur Klavier Und Orchestera - Op. 54: 2. Intermezzo Andantino - Attacca | Konzert Fur Klavier Und Orchestera - Op. 54: 3. Allegro Vivace | Introduction Und Allegro Appassionato G - Dur Op. 92 | Novellette F - Dur Op. 21 No. 1 | Toccata C - Dur Op. 7 | Waldszenen Op. 82: Entry | Waldszenen Op. 82: Hunters On The Lookout | Waldszenen Op. 82: Lonely Flowers | Waldszenen Op. 82: Place Of Evil Fame | Waldszenen Op. 82: Friendly Landscape | Waldszenen Op. 82: Shelter | Waldszenen Op. 82: Bird As Prophet | Waldszenen Op. 82: Hunting Song | Waldszenen Op. 82: Farewell

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