Search - Claudio Abbado, Murray Perahia :: Schumann: Piano And Orchestra Works

A lucid and sensitive rendition of the finest piano concerto

Jimmy Lin | New Brunswick, NJ USA | 02/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Schumann's Piano Concerto is often overlooked in the reportoire in favor of Grieg's work. An side-by-side comparision of both works shows that the latter is evidently modeled after the former, and this much Grieg admitted.I personally find Schumann's work much more evocative and moving than Grieg's. Perahia plays here with a beautifully delicate touch that colors every hidden nuance within this much-underrated piece. Abbado's direction of the Berliner Philharmoniker is solid and a prime example of what orchestral accompaniment of a solo instrument should be: gently supportive, blending with the soloist's tones, and an orchestra when called upon to be. The accompaniment never overshadows the soloist, yet always maintains a proper presence.Not being overly familiar with the other two works on this CD, I can only say that the performances are as strong as the Concerto's to the ears of the uninitiated. This is an excellent CD and a necessary item for fans of Schumann's beautiful piano works."

Pure Class

R Davis | Pacific Northwest -- United States | 05/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Technically, Murray Perahia is among the most accomplished of our great pianists today. Abbado enjoys the same respect among composers. And technical mastery is what it takes to wade through the lush, dense forest that Schumann lays out in his works for piano and orchestra. Without the incredible finger and pedal work of Parahia, the layers of sound easily become muddled. Parahia keeps each note, each phrase clear and communicative. Similarly the orchestra, under Abbado's precise but light hand, makes the sonorities in the music come through -- the delicate solo and ensemble passages are open and immediate, while the power and majesty of the big chords and thick orchestration make an impact.Understated at times, the performance bears repeated listening.
Altogether a definitive interpretation of major romantic pieces."

And aside from the Concerto...

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every pianist worth his/her salt has the Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 in repertoire and while performances abound as do recordings of the beloved work, now and then it is refreshing to hear the work with the extraordinary finesse Murray Perahia bathes it. This is Schumann in the Romantic lead but with the subtleties of phrasing that make it rise above the usual hand-wringing forms we are used to hearing.



But though the concerto is a staple, the other two works for piano and orchestra are rarely heard. And that is sad because they perhaps contain come of the most eloquent melodies and ideas from Robert Schumann's gifted mind. In many ways the Introduction and Allegro appassionato in G major, Op. 92 is more related to the Schumann works for voice and piano. Perahia ably assisted by Claudio and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra give probably the finest reading on records. Much the same could be said about the less impressive yet still quite beautiful Concert Allegro with Introduction in D minor, Op. 134.



Perahia and Abbado sound and feel as one musical mind. The technical aspects of the recording are excellent and it goes without saying that the sumptuous sound of the Berlin Philharmonic helps create the glow of these three works. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, February 06

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