Schumann: Fantasiestucke/Piano Trio [CD]

The Florestan Trio takes its name from Schumann's more extrovert and passionate alter-ego: "Florestan" and the poetic, introverted "Eusebius" symbolised to the composer the two opposite poles of his own personality. Here, this award-winning British trio is on its spiritual home territory, and the result confirms it. The ensemble seems to relish every element of Schumann's romantic yet often whimsical expressive language as the three subtly convey the layered darkness, fantasy and passion of the late and somewhat tortured G minor Trio. The more rarely heard Fantasiestücke are likewise played with great empathy and beauty of tone, and the Piano Quartet finds the group augmented by Thomas Riebl, who fits into this well unified ensemble as if he works with them every day. This is pure and balanced Schumann--there are no extremes of tempo, which some musicians do adopt in this composer's music to hint at the psychosis to which he later succumbed. The slow movements are taken not too slowly, so the melodies may be full-blooded without sliding into sentimentality; the scherzo of the Quartet is light and ghostly rather than sacrificing atmosphere to excessive rapidity. And the group's affection for its namesake shines out at every turn. A disc to play, enjoy and replay time and again. --Jessica Duchen

CLASSIC CD DISC OF THE MONTH RADIO 3 CD REVIEW DISC OF THE WEEK 'The Florestans - named after the more extrovert of Schumann's two artistic alter egos - have, in only five years, established themselves as the piano trio par excellence of our day. Their previous Schumann disc, comprising the D minor and F major trios, won deserved acclaim and a clutch of awards. Now they turn their attention to the late G minor trio, a comparative rarity in the concert hall these days. Listening to such exhilarating, spontaneous accounts of this wonderful music, it is hard to understand its neglect. Another superlative issue from Hyperion and the Florestans.' (The Sunday Times) 'The Florestan Trio plays all these works with characteristic thoughtfulness and intelligence. It is difficult to find fault with its performances. A valuable and highly enjoyable addition to the Schumann discography' (BBC Music Magazine) 'Revelatory performances from the Florestan. Excellently recorded, this welcome disc should win all three works a new lease of life' (Gramophone) 'This latest recording confirms that the Florestan Trio has become one of the most exciting and compelling chamber groups around. Their skill is that they let the music speak for itself but play it with passion ... magical' (Daily Express) 'Marvellous performances. The Florestan trio, individually and as an ensemble, plays with flawless technique, integrating sounds and ideas perfectly. Altogether, a fine recording' (Fanfare) 'Delightful. Most refined performances of lovely music' (Classic CD) 'A triumphant successor to their previous disc of Schumann. Indeed, it s one of the best discs of Schumann chamber music I ve heard in recent years' (International Record Review) 'Irresistibly lovely music, the Florestans respond to it with performances of finesse and insight. Textures are warm, and the recording clear and well-focused. A first-rate recommendation' (The Scotsman) 'First rate in every way: thoughtful and spirited accounts of all three pieces' --Classic FM Magazine

Following the huge success of their disc of Schumann's first two Piano Trios (CDA67063) which won a Gramophone Award and was descibed as the best chamber record of 1999 by BBC Radio 3, The Florestan Trio here complete their recording of all Schumann's Trios and present further chamber works by Schumann. In the Piano Quartet the trio are joined by viola player Thomas Riebl who performed the work with them most recently at London's Wigmore Hall, to great critical acclaim. Although the Quartet in E flat has never achieved the same degree of popularity as the famous Quintet that preceeded it, this wonderful performance is sure to win the work new admirers.