Search - Robert Schumann, Christian Zacharias, Lausanne Chamber Orchestra :: Schumann: Piano Concerto in Am Op54; Introduction and Allegro appassionato in G Op92

Fine Performances Of These Schumann Pieces For Piano And Orc

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 05/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Classical music fans who are also serious audiophiles should rush to buy this fine recording of the Schumann Piano Concerto. Although it is not my primary recommendation, it is noteworthy for several reasons, among which is the insightful, dramatic playing by soloist and conductor Christian Zacharias. Often overlooked by classical music fans in North America, Zacharias has received ample praise for his profound, dramatic interpretations of Classical and Romantic piano music, of which his most noteworthy performances may be those performing works composed by Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann. In Europe, he's also become well known as a conductor, and has led this small Swiss chamber orchestra comprised of exceptional musicians; an orchestral force that is noticeably smaller than comparable ensembles like the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields. Zacharias' noteworthy interpretation of the venerable Schumann Piano Concerto includes adherence to brisk tempi (especially the first and second movements) and using smaller orchestral forces. However, Zacharias's fine interpretation with a smaller orchestra may not appeal to those seeking more traditional accounts with much larger orchestras, of which those from the likes of Argerich, Grimaud and Perahia as soloists may be more appealing.



One of the most unusual aspects of this recording is its almost unique coupling with two rarely performed Schumann concertinos for piano and orchestra (The only other instance I'm aware of where all three works appear on the same recording is a 1990s recording with Murray Perahia as soloist accompanied by Claudio Abbado conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker.). Both pieces are performed admirably by Zacharias and his Lausanne chamber orchestra. Indeed these fine performances may be more important reasons of themselves in acquiring this recording than yet another fine performance of the Schumann piano concerto. Without question this is definitely a Schumann recording of works for piano and orchestra which I can recommend highly."

The Extended Keyboard of Pianist Christian Zacharias

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though this recording is not a new release, it is one that will probably find an audience soon. Christian Zacharias is highly regarded throughout the world for his superb piano artistry, especially in the Romantic idiom. He is less well known here in the USA as a conductor. That should change. This week he is serving as conductor and soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and his performance as both pianist and conductor of the beloved Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor reflects an even more secure and briskly charged reading of this work than on this very fine recoding with the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. (Note: Zacharias opened his concert at Disney Hall with the Brahms' Serenade No. 2 in A Major and the Haydn Sinfonia Concertante in B flat major). As a conductor Zacharias is animated and completely involved in the grand architecture as well as the details. When he sits at the piano embedded in the orchestral seating his playing and conducting are as well melded as any one would hope.



Schumann's sole piano concerto is lush in melodic line, lively in conversation with the various orchestral sections throughout, and soars with a Romantic spirit like few other of the top concertos form the Romantic period. Zacharias plays it 'straight' - no idiosyncrasies to muddle the fresh approach from both the keyboard and the orchestra. For some his interpretation may be a bit too airborne and his tempi too fast, but the selections of beat and interplay with his orchestra are so homogeneous that he makes his case a solid one for this approach. This is one of the finer recordings of the Schumann piano concerto available - and there are many from which to choose. For sheer mastery of technique and brio this recording (and the current performances in Los Angeles) demonstrate that Christian Zacharias is in the upper echelon of artists. Grady Harp, February 09"