In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day.
Angela Hewitt’s recordings of Schumann’s solo piano works for Hyperion have been described as ‘revelatory … something to cherish’ (Gramophone) and ‘unreservedly superb’ (The Guardian). Now she turns her attention to the works for piano and orchestra in a magnificent release which includes the beloved Piano Concerto in A minor—one of the most treasured concertos in the repertoire—and two other works also written for Clara Schumann.
Hewitt’s trademark clarity of line, and her technical control which never limits the expression of passion, are clearly in evidence. She is supported by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and the brilliant Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu. A fascinating commentary by Hewitt herself completes this album which is sure to delight her ever-increasing legion of fans.
“The most striking thing about this recording on first encounter is not the elegant, fluent playing of Angela Hewitt (that's a given in all her performances) but the tempo of the closing allegro vivace...Hewitt and Hannu Lintu choose a surprisingly stately pace, reflecting Schumann's actual metronome marking...Her perfect handling of the breathtakingly lovely opening of the Introduction and Allegro appassionato would melt the hardest of hearts.”
6th July 2012
“The sense of joy that infallibly emanates from Angela Hewitt’s piano playing is fully evident here...Hewitt understands the character and perspective of this music. There is no element of grandstanding in the Concerto. Nothing in the interpretation is gratuitously flamboyant. Rather, the piano enjoys intimate exchanges with the orchestra...Hewitt is [Clara's] natural heir.”
August 2012
****
“Hewitt's touch, light and graceful, allows the work to unfold rather than gallop. The second movement is perhaps less convincing...but there's so much beauty, subtlety and originality in Hewitt's first movement that the ear longs for commensurate poeticism...Even if I didn't wholly buy into the Concerto's Intermezzo, this recording should be applauded for its passion, detail, courage and commitment.”
August 2012
“Her approach seeks the flow in the music, obtaining a legato in those accompanying moments where the orchestra takes the lead and adding texture rather than making musical points...This is the kind of recording which may surprise a little, but is also one which will gain your affection and provide increasing interest and insight with each airing.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
1. Allegro Affettuoso
