Search - Woldemar Bargiel, Robert Schumann, Christoph Eschenbach :: Steven Isserlis Plays Schumann

5 papillons for Rasteven Isserlis--- this is heaven

Robert Milne | Toronto, Canada | 07/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Quite simply : this is the greatest recording of the greatest Cello concerto that the world has ever known. Isserlis knows Schumann. His Cello bleeds the Davidsbundler Master into every passion-note. His collaborators here seem infected by the Schumann/Isserlis heavenly inspiration. How good is it beyond being the best? Well it makes Ma's terrific version sound almost mechanical! Once in a great while there exists such profound intimacy between a great composer and an artist that eternal magic shakes the firmament. Such a wedding is rare and to be treasured when found. The insouciant inclusion of the gourgeous
adagio of Bargiel, a Florestan/Eusibius protege, plus a "few extras", shows that Isserlis is not only in touch completely with Schumann, but in a total harmony that transcendentally and ethereally touches the soul as each lovng bar caresses the senses.
Everyone knows the Concerto and other cello pieces so I won't bother with any analysis except to say that from Zwickau to Endenich RAS is smiling as , perhaps, he never did in his life. Isserlis knows Schumann.And , yes : this is the greatest recording of the greatest Cello Concerto that the world has ever known."

Passionate and scholarly!

Kerry Conway | 04/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maestro Isserlis is clearly at home with this composer. He is a passionate advocate of Schumann's works and presents them with great clarity."