Search - Robert Schumann, Bernd Glemser :: Schumann: Piano Works

An Attractive Schumann Collection

09/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a well-chosen program of Schumann piano works from the 1830s, and I'm happy to report that the performance of the flagship piece, the Sonata Number 2, is on points about as fine as you will get on CD. Glemser cedes nothing to Perahia on Sony, and if he lacks the impetuosity and bravura of Hamelin on Hyperion, Glemser clearly holds the last movement together better because of a better-judged balance between the fevered first theme and the overly dreamy second. In this second theme, Eusebius seems bent on derailing Florestan's juggernaut, one instance where the competing personalities in Schumann's nature have generated a movement with such a split personality, the pianist must bring his own psychic glue to the proceedings in order to achieve a healthy integration. As I say, Glemser succeeds as well as anybody I've heard, crafting a beautifully fluid last movement whose final pages marked "ever faster and faster" display a pianism with an inner poise that never lets speed get the upper hand of fulsome and lovely note production.In the other virtuoso works on the CD, the Toccata and Presto Passionato that Schumann originally intended as the Second Sonata last movement, Glemser's performances have dash and great polish but without the breakneck daring of a Horowitz or Richter, which makes this music as breathtaking as it should be.Just so, the Arabeske, one of Schumann's most sensuous creations, is compellingly lovely in Glemser's hands, missing the last degree of poetry that would make this a memorable performance. For that, you'll need to look to Pollini or Argerich, possibly Ashkenazy. In the less familiar Nachtstucke and Vier Klavierstucke, Glemser's fine technique and tasteful musicianship make for very satisfying music making indeed. And that's pretty much my assessment of the whole disc. An attractive collection of pieces and performances--a fine bargain, with good, clean sound (except for some indeterminate scrunchiness at one point in the Toccata that sounds like somebody unwrapping a foil-wrapped toffee. Maybe it is!)"

Well done

J. Enders | Darmstadt | 01/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bernd Glemser's recording of various Schumann piano pieces is well done, well recorded (though maybe not outstanding) and represents an interesting mixture from the virtuous Toccata to the dark collection "Nachtstuecke". Especially the recording of Schumann's second piano sonata with its original and final endings is interesting. Also, regarding the price, you cannot make a mistake with this recording."

Bernd ...who?

matthew | nyc | 03/14/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Who is this Bernd Glesmer, and how come I have never heard of him before? Such a fine temperment for Schumann. I am overwelmingly impressed with this CD, specifically the Sonata and Nachtstucke. The strange thing with this pianist, is he always is in command, control and rythem. Even in Schumann's infamous markings, "faster", "faster still" etc etc. He seems to rush, yet is soundly under control. He had me at the first opening chord. His Nachtstucke also; he seems to always have in mind the right tempo, and stays with it. He amazingly pulls of with great success the difficult theme in the finale, with the agitated rests interupting Schumanns finest melody. Although the movement before could have used a little more coloring, and for once, a break in the steady tempo, just a little. As far as anything else, just about average, if not slightly higher. Your in tough company when you play the Arabesque, next to Fur Elise, probably the one piece that gets played to death way to much, while Glesmers playing, though nothing to write home about, certainly didnt want me to wish not to hear that darned Schumann Arabesque yet once again. Bravo!"