Schumann's Shoebox

[SonicMan46]

Schumann Symphonies - not a lot of discussion on this topic in this thread, e.g. favorites, new performances, etc. But nearly 2 years ago, I exchanged a post w/ Andrei concerning a Holliger 6-disc Audite box that looked enticing - today I found it on JPC for 40 Euros HERE.

This morning I'm re-listening to my collection of the 3 non-Holliger recordings below which have remained the same for 6-8 years.  Attached is a comparison of reviews of these 3 conductors, but also found today and attached, a quite positive review of Gaudenz by Jens in Forbes, and discrepant comments by VonStupp vs. Scott Morrison on Zinman on Amazon - might be of interest.

But hopefully some more input on these orchestral works likely would interest many - Dave

Hi Andrei - boy, that Holliger box looks great - how consistent are the performances (e.g. symphonies vs. concertos)?  Unfortunately, expensive on Amazon USA (i.e. $60 USD) and not available as a physical package at my usual 'across the pond' places - I've been going through my Schumann collection the last 3-4 days, all instrumental, i.e. a lot of solo piano, chamber works, and the symphony performances shown below.

There have been many other recommendations for these works in the pages here - but for those reading the thread and wanting to add Robert's symphonies to their collection, then the ones below are worth a listen and consideration - I enjoy each one; for those interested, reviews are attached.  BUT, I must look further into that Holliger box and explore some of the 'used' sources -    Dave

   

In this respect an even better option is this:

[DavidW]

I like Bernstein

[Florestan]

I like Bernstein

So do I.

The good thing with madmen (I mean Schumann, not Bernstein) is that whatever way you interpret them, nobody can prove you wrong. And AFAIC, the more different interpretive choices, the merrier.

[DavidW]

So do I.

The good thing with madmen (I mean Schumann, not Bernstein) is that whatever way you interpret them, nobody can prove you wrong. And AFAIC, the more different interpretive choices, the merrier.

Yeah I used to whiplash between Bernstein and Zinman who have diametrically opposite approaches!

[Jo498]

I have not heard Holliger, Gaudenz, Zinman. The Sawallisch has its "classic" status justifiedly (more than Szell's IMO). Bernstein/DG would be a good (and usually cheap) more romantic addition to the others. The Holliger is more complete, I believe, with ouvertures and maybe the "Zwickauer" fragment (I have that with Gardiner, who also gives both versions of the 4th).

[VonStupp]

Schumann Symphonies -

comments by VonStupp vs. Scott Morrison on Zinman on Amazon - might be of interest.

Hi Dave - I hope all is going well!

Indeed, it was not to my tastes, but I know Zinman's is a very popular account, so more power to those who enjoy them; I believe I felt similarly to the Holliger set, although it had some interesting extras. Often, a new approach to a warhorse will really catch my spirit, but just as often, I need to spend quality time with a different approach, and hopefully I will come around to it, and so I try to do that over time.

Unfortunately, if a review is old enough, Amazon does not let me go back and adjust my views. It is too bad, since I return to some recordings and wonder what my problem was; I have 'rediscovered' many gems by revisiting  over time what I dismissed previously. Luckily, there are a lot of mouths out there selling their viewpoints to account for every taste, and none are 'wrong'.

Thus, I use Amazon as more of a personal blog of my thoughts at the time, instead of a review per se. In the end, my hope is people will find listening pleasure regardless of any yahoo on the internet; I have been one to read many such posts, mostly for my entertainment anymore.
VS

[Mandryka]

I first discovered this recording in 2022 - and at that time it was the op 110 trio which got under my skin. Today it's op 63.

They're really turbulent performances, and at the same time not too heavy. Top tier trios.

I see that Peter Laul has recorded some Scriabin - and the same trio has recorded the Schoenberg - both could be worth hearing.

[Mandryka]

By the way, does anyone actually like the op 80 trio?

[DavidW]

By the way, does anyone actually like the op 80 trio?

Yes, I do. I listen to his chamber works more than anything else. But Schumann's piano quintet is still my favorite work. Whenever I listen to his trios, I don't notice any drop in quality between them.

[Mandryka]

Yes, I do. I listen to his chamber works more than anything else. But Schumann's piano quintet is still my favorite work. Whenever I listen to his trios, I don't notice any drop in quality between them.

listen to Gringolts etc in op 110, especially the second movement, ziemlich langsam - is this the greatest piano trio after Schubert? Nothing in Brahms or Dvorak comes close!

[Maestro267]

I recently got the Warner 6-disc set of chamber music. Need to listen again as there was a lot going on when I first gave the works a go.

[Mandryka]

I recently got the Warner 6-disc set of chamber music. Need to listen again as there was a lot going on when I first gave the works a go.

The only thing I've heard in that box is the Marchenerzahlungen - with Caussé and Rudy and someone else. I think it's a lovely performance of a little masterpiece.

[Maestro267]

The only thing I'm disappointed the set is missing is the Andante and Variations in its original scoring for two pianos, two cellos and horn.

[kyjo]

listen to Gringolts etc in op 110, especially the second movement, ziemlich langsam - is this the greatest piano trio after Schubert? Nothing in Brahms or Dvorak comes close!

It's a fine work, for sure, but your last statement is more than a bit debatable...

[kyjo]

By the way, does anyone actually like the op 80 trio?

I do! But I wouldn't rank it amongst my very favorites of Schumann's chamber works, which are the Piano Quartet and Quintet, Piano Trio No. 1, Violin Sonata No. 2, Andante and Variations, 5 Pieces in Folk Style, and, above all, the magnificent String Quartet No. 3.

[Mandryka]

It's a fine work, for sure, but your last statement is more than a bit debatable...

Have at it!

[Madiel]

It's a fine work, for sure, but your last statement is more than a bit debatable...

Especially when he was in the Dvorak thread last week praising the F minor piano trio with major enthusiasm. If I find the relevant quotes he can debate himself.

[Maestro267]

Here we go!

I have to say, I think the op 65 trio is one of the top tier late c19 ones - as satisfying in its way as any by Brahms and Schumann

I'd say that falls into the "comes pretty close" category...

[Mandryka]

Here we go!

I'd say that falls into the "comes pretty close" category...

As satisfying in its way. The thing that impresses me about the Schumann op 110 in the hands of Gringolts is "its way" -- it's deep -- psychologically turbulent. Like King Lear.

[Jo498]

The 3rd trio certainly seems the most uncommon. I seemed to remember that I liked it but I was rather puzzled and not totally convinced while re-listening, probably need to spend some more time with it.

OTOH I think the 2nd is a wonderful piece with all the enthusiasm and "Spring feelings" of Schumann in mostly happy mode although the recurrence of one ("Dein Bildnis wunderselig" op.39/2) or more lieder might be a bit too frequent.
The fantasy pieces op.88 are also fun while clearly "lighter" than the full scale trios.