Search - Robert Schumann, Emerson String Quartet, Menahem Pressler :: Schumann: Op. Nos. 44 & 47

Not just a great string quartet...

Clement | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 03/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Emerson Quartet have shown that they are not only a great string quartet but can combine with an equally fine musician to produce an excellent recording of the Schumann Quintet and Piano Quartet. Their tempi are brisk but well thought out and their playing combines power and intensity with a quite outstanding lyricism and sense of the melodic line, particularly in the the slow movement of the Piano Quartet. Balance is excellent and DG's sound quality is first-rate. In particular, look out for the scherzo of the Piano Quintet, absolute military precision but a sense of Romantic freedom as well, a remarkable combination. This is a far better recording than the Entremont/Berg Quartet rendition and the Piano Quartet is a more carefully crafted reading than the Ames Piano Quartet. Thoroughly recommended!"

Great Recording Of Schumann's Piano Quintet and Quartet

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 11/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a magnificent collaboration between pianist Menachem Pressler and the Emerson String Quartet; an exceptional synthesis between his Old World graceful playing and the Emerson's New World brashness. Pressler shows his usual warm, introspective playing, which fans of the Beaux Arts Trio have come to expect. Meanwhile, the Emerson String Quartet plays with much empathy and lyricism in both scores. I doubt I have heard a better collaboration between a pianist and a string quartet; certainly there's none that's been as exquisitely recorded as this CD. Those looking for a definitive performance of these Schumann scores should look no further."

Schumann at his finest

Kara Cerveny | 01/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After hearing these pieces performed in a small concert hall in Berlin, my husband and I wanted to purchase a recording that would bring these vibrant Schumann pieces to life for us, again and again. In this high quality recording, the musicians play with a balance of technical skill with emotional sensitivity that transports the listener to another time and place where beautiful music reigns supreme."