Search - Robert Schumann, La Gaia Scienza, Uri Caine Ensemble :: Love Fugue: Robert Schumann

Uri Meets Schumann

svf | 03/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you've enjoyed Uri Caine's eclectic interpretations of Bach, Mahler, and Wagner, you'll surely enjoy this exploration of Robert Schumann's music as well. The song cycle "Dichterliebe" is given the post-modern treatment by the Uri Caine Ensemble's cast of usual characters, interspersed with the four movements of the Piano Quartet played "straight" by "La Gaia Scienza" (featuring a foretpiano rather than the modern instrument).The love songs are interpreted in a wide variety of styles from gothic dirges to light bouncing latin to country-rock ballads to spoken word poetry (in English and Japanese) to free-form vocal improv (by the somewhat scary David Moss). If you've heard Uri Caine's more ambitious Mahler and Bach projects, you have a pretty good idea what to expect here. The jazzed(and etc.)-up "Dichterliebe" works about 80% of the time, plus you get a mighty fine performance of the brilliant Piano Quartet to boot. So this CD is definitely recommended for both Uri Caine fans and adventurous Robert Schumann fans."

An adventure you will not forget! Honest...

Michael Tuttle | Portland, OR USA | 03/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In all the years of listening to hundreds of classical albums from 12th century to date, I have never heard something that tickled my funnybone quite like this. The insrument sounds are appealing, and the poetry narration in the background [voiced in German] is startling! However; I do advise... Do not listen while flying aircraft, rescuing human lives, or doing intricately precise work, you may leap out of your chair or just wiggle a little; yet it would be but more suited for an evening of leisure. Do close your eyes! It helps to stir up the imagination. And not be afraid to take it lying down.



I purchased this and listened to it on Valentine's day, 2005. I purchased from Wild Horse Records in Garberville, California. I was delighted."