Search - Schumann, Nylund, Trost :: Schumann: Pilgrimage of the Rose (Der Rose Pilgerfahrt)

Here is a lovely performance of an unjustly neglected, lovely work. The poetry is disappointing, considering Schumann's usually discriminating literary taste, but he transcends its shortcomings with music of enchanting lyricism, delicacy, warmth, and romantic ardor; in his hands, an innocent fairy tale about a rose's magic transformation into a maiden becomes a paean to nature, spring, and love. There are gossamer choruses of elves, hunters' choruses with horn calls, a solemn, mournful funeral procession, a wedding with festive dances, and an ethereal chorus of angels. The tenor acts as narrator until he becomes the bridegroom; then other voices take over. Schumann's orchestration of his original piano accompaniment adds color and atmosphere to every situation. This recording employs the instruments and number of players that were in use during Schumann's lifetime; the sound is wonderfully pure and transparent, with perfect balance and among between winds, strings, and voices. Playing and singing are splendid; Rainer Trost and Andreas Schmidt stand out for sheer vocal beauty. --Edith Eisler