Daniel R. Greenfield | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | 09/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Robert Schumann was arguably the quintessential romantic. His romanticism was not mawkish sentimentalism but dwelt in the same heroic realms as Keats, Shelley, Goethe, and Holderlin. The trios on this disk were written during the most creative period of his short life, following upon his marriage to Clara. The striking thing about Schumann's work, and on this disk especially, is the total openness with which he lays bare his psyche. There is no posturing, no self-indulgence, no self-pitying; there is just a very earnest sincerity to express the core of his being. Listening to this music you begin to sense the enormous sensitivity of this man, and the incredible honesty and dignity he possessed. Florestan delivers a flawless performance with just the right amount of romantic sentiment as would be proper for this early period of German romanticism. Sound quality, as always on Hyperion, is first-rate. This is essential music if you collect classical."
"This CD was recommended by GRAMOPHONE magazine and I think Florestan Trio deserves it fully. Excellent performances of Schumann's two Piano Trios. Very life like, well balanced and natural recording is a bonus."
Highly recommended!
Daniel R. Greenfield | 05/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Schumann's later chamber works are often put down as being somehow less inspired than, say, his early piano music and the chamber works of 1842 (the great Quintet in particular). Listening to these performances, you wonder why. The two trios, written within a relatively short amount of time from each other, make for an interesting comparison: the first (in D minor) is darker, more tragic, whereas the second one (in F major) is altogether brighter and more outgoing. Both have exceptionally beautiful slow movements, though for me the closing movement of the second Trio doesn't come close to the corresponding movement in the first Trio, which I think is one of the most thrilling things in the entire chamber-music repertoire. However, the second Trio does make up for this with some beautiful interplay between the string instruments in the first movement, plus a very original third movement--in place of the Scherzo Schumann wrote a gentle barcarolle that is filled with counterpoint, a fascinating example of Schumann's love of counterpoint.I'm very thankful to the Florestan Trio's recording of these works, because I think they show what an outstanding recording can do to make us re-evaluate the merits of previously underappreciated works. They certainly did that for me. They combine technical polish with much imagination in their playing. They are totally committed and sound genuinely in love with these works, which is never to be taken for granted in this repertoire. Special honors to Susan Tomes for her exceptionally sensitive piano playing and her keen ear for balance. The recording itself is demonstration quality."
A Gramophone winner brings love to two of Schumann's step-ch
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 06/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Before the Florestan Trio took up Schumann's first two piano trios in 1999, this was neglected music that rarely appeared either on recordings or the concert stage. Although both trios date from the fertile year of 1847, well before Schumann's mental instability ruined his music, they never seemed the equal of his inspired Piano Quartet and Quintet.
Nobody would claim today that they rise to that level, but by giving these trios an impassioned performance, the Florestan made them shine brighter than most music-lovers ever thought they could. the outer movement of both works seem to me the best, along iwth the hesitaiton waltz in the third movement of the second trio. One wishes that the piano parts were more interesting, given Schumann's stature as a piano composer. Don't expect Schumann at his highest energy or romantic fervor--both works are gentler than that. But they are enjoyable in their low-key way, a real addition to the Schumann repertoire."
Great performances by the Florestan Trio
Roman Surowiec | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 01/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Schuman's D minor trio, in particular, is a deep and fascinating piece. The Florestan plays it with energy and insight. The other trios I do not know so well, but the D minor is alone worth this CD."