Search - Robert Schumann, Daniel Barenboim, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau :: Schumann: Cello Concerto; Piano Concerto; Introduction & Allegro appassionato

A Mixed Bill

David Saemann | 08/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The good news is that the Piano Concerto receives a splendid reading. Barenboim has a strong feeling for the logic of the work, even down to an occasional slow tempo that works very well. His tone is generally pleasing, and Fischer-Dieskau's accompaniment is exciting and supportive. The Introduction and Allegro goes less well. It requires a degree of fantasy on the part of the soloist that Barenboim just doesn't have. His performance is just too prosaic. There are better performances by Rudolf Serkin and Christian Zaccarias. As for the Cello Concerto, it is altogether more controversial. Technically, Du Pre's playing is stunning. She plays with a tone that is consistently full and enticing, even noble. The problem is that some of her tempos are really slow, even making the piece drag on occasion. Barenboim's accompaniment is very good, but this recording should be of interest mainly to cello afficianados and Du Pre fans. For a more mainstream recording of the piece, one might start with Maria Kliegel on Naxos."