Schumann: Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105

An original programme featuring works for cello and piano by Schumann, arrangements of works written originally for other instruments.

Schumann himself left the choice of instrument open for some of his works: the clarinet, oboe and cello often changed roles.

The Romanzen Op. 94 were originally for oboe and piano, but work very well played on the cello, as arranged by the famous 19th century cellist Grützmacher. Also the violin sonata Op. 105 fares excellently through the golden, melancholy sonorities of the cello.

Schumann lived his whole life under the spell of the great Johann Sebastian Bach, and as a tribute to Bach’s genius Schumann added a piano part to the famous Cello Suites.

This is the second issue of Schumann transcriptions for cello by the duo Francesco Dillon/Emanuele Torquati. Their earlier issue BC 94060 received enthusiastic comment in the international press: “comes across with vibrant conviction” (Musicweb International).

Kolja Blacher already features on two releases of Phil.harmonie: Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale, with soloists from the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Bach Partitas. On this new recording with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra he plays the Violin Concerto in D minor - the last orchestral work by Robert Schumann - and together with pianist and composer Vassily Lobanov, Blacher also gives us Schumann's Sonata No. 1 and the Three Romances that all count towards a passionate tribute to Schumann.

Renowned for his outstanding technical and musical ability, as well as his unique re-workings of chamber repertoire, this latest album from Jonathan Freeman-Attwood introduces some fresh and unusual arrangements of well-known Romantic music for the under-explored medium of trumpet and piano duo.

The choice of Mendelssohn and Schumann, originally written for cello and violin respectively, allows Freeman-Attwood to demonstrate the melodic lyricism of the instrument as well as the thrilling execution a brass instrument can bring to intricate passage-work.

Grieg’s Holberg Suite has attracted arrangers since its composition; the opening Preludium is a brilliant vehicle for the trumpet and piano, fully showcasing the skills of the duo that have honed their skills over three albums.

These new transcriptions are beyond anything previously imagined for trumpet; they expand the boundaries of the trumpet as a solo instrument and deserve to take their place in the standard repertoire for the instrument.

As a trumpet player, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood has performed and recorded both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles and has attracted plaudits from the press for his solo recordings.

Jonathan broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3 and is Principal of the Royal Academy of Music in London.

South African born Daniel-Ben Pienaar is an award-winning pianist whose live performances and recordings have won him widespread acclaim: “a kaleidoscope of colours and textures” (International Piano).

Ferdinand David was, aside from his part-time student Joseph Joachim, one of the most important motivators for Schumann´s late interest in works for violin, and got accordingly involved in organizing premieres of the Sonatas Op. 105 and Op. 121.

The gifted young chamber musicians Nicolas Chumachenko (violin) and Kalle Randalu (piano) perform these works. Chumachenko was born to Russian parents in Poland and grew up in Argentina. At the age of only twelve, he performed Wienawski’s Second Violin Concerto. His string quartet was described by Menuhin as “one of the best in he world”.

This CD is part of a series “Robert Schumann and his family and friends” which is dedicated to representing a cross section of works by Schumann and his family. Woldemar Bargiel was Clara’s halfbrother. The works include Clara Schumann’s Three Romances for violin and piano Op.22 and Joachim’s Romance for violin and piano in C major. The performances are on period instruments.

This CD has been produced as part of the Artist Consort scheme, where the performing artists determine which CDs are released and make all the important decisions about the recordings. Benda is a professor of music and Gotsouliak is a young concert pianist, one of the most versatile and promising talents of her generation.