Schumann: Märchenerzählungen (4) for Clarinet, Viola & Piano, Op. 132 (Fairy Tales) - CD

This collection provides a complete account of Robert Schumann’s works for viola and piano. Schumann was a real innovator, who would often explore new instrumental combinations, sometimes bringing neglected or forgotten instruments back into the limelight. The works on this recording show just how many different moods the composer could evoke using the unusual combination of viola and piano, from the changeable nature of the Fantasiestücke Op.73 and the array of emotions portrayed in the Märchenbilder Op.113 to the passion of the Adagio and Allegro Op.70 and finally the intricacies of the Märchenerzählungen Op.132, with a little help from the clarinet.

The successful partnership of violist Lorenzo Falconi and pianist Sara Bacchini has been described by acclaimed performer, Pier Narciso Masi, as ‘a real Duo, in the most complete sense of the word. Their profound understanding of chamber music is supported by considerable talent, sensitivity and personality, and they are great communicators.’ They are joined for the recording by clarinettist Darlo Goracci.

In 1849 Schumann, like Debussy and Poulenc before him, spent some time writing music for wind instruments. This album celebrates the complete compositions of these works from 1849.

Among Schumann’s inspired late chamber works is a collection of music for more unusual instruments, composed in a concentrated flurry of creativity between 1849 and 1853 and written specifically for particular players, and it is to these exquisite short works that the world-famous Nash Ensemble turns its impeccable collective musicianship.

While Schumann modelled his music specifically to the timbres of the instruments he wrote for—piano, violin, horn, clarinet and oboe—he also arranged these pieces for alternative instruments with an eye to maximizing sales. Here, however, the soloists from The Nash Ensemble present the works in their original scoring in what are bound to be definitive performances—the delicious Fantasiestücke for clarinet, and the fiery and lyrical Märchenbilder, which feature star British viola player Lawrence Power. Other delights include the Adagio and Allegro for horn, a brilliant showpiece, the Violin Sonata No 1, Drei Romanzen for oboe and piano and the Märchenerzählungen for clarinet, viola and piano.

The present recording contrasts two crucial periods in the creative life of Schumann, when the works of his maturity are in dialogue with those of his twilight years, both groups together forming a repertory of chamber music, the conception of which accompanied the composer throughout his career.

Rooted in the intimacy of home performances , these pieces are an exceptional record of the art of transcription in the nineteenth century – an art that is essential not just useful for expanding a repertory (that for clarinet and viola) unjustly shunned by the Romantics.

Between 1841 and 1843 Schumann wrote some of his greatest chamber works, among them the Piano Quartet and the Piano Quintet, both in E flat major. Written in an astonishing five-day period, the Quintet displays both the heroic and the lyric impulses in his music, boldness contrasting with songful tenderness, and march themes with lyricism. The Piano Quartet also exudes such qualities, not least in the ravishing slow movement, and the masterful breadth of Schumann’s expression. The four Märchenerzählungen are happy, energetic pieces.

The original recording now reissued with the added bonus of Mozart's Quintet for Piano and Wind played by the inimitable Nash Ensemble.

Viennese-born Heinrich Koll studied at the Vienna Musikhochschule and was awarded a diploma with distinction in 1975.

From 1976 to 1980 he was principal violist with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, and since 1980 has been principal violist with the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. He has appeared as a soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic, for example at the Salzburg Mozart Week and at the opening of the Mozart Year.

In his comprehensive booklet notes Heinrich Koll writes about the history of his instrument, the character of the viola in the orchestra and the legend of old instruments.

This is the latest release in a series which features top players of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.