Robert Schumann - Piano Quintet; String Quartet No. 3 (Marc-André Hamelin; Takács Quartet)

Information

Composer: Robert Schumann

• String Quartet in A major, Op. 41 No. 3
• Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44

Marc-André Hamelin, piano

Takács Quartet

    Edward Dusinberre, violin

    Károly Schranz, violin

    Geraldine Walther, viola

    András Fejér, cello

Date: 2009

Label: Hyperion

-----------------------------------------------------------

Review

As is to be expected, the Takács Quartet provides a sumptuous disc here. In places, however, this lush sound can result in a vibrato that is too wide and slow, especially in the descending fifth motif of the Quartet’s first movement, in which first violinist Edward Dusinberre and more frequently violist Geraldine Walther indulge in rather exaggerated uses of the device. Moreover, the descending leaps in this theme encourage portamento – a device in regular use in Schumann’s time, but rather apologetically referenced here. It shows, perhaps, some of the shortcomings of playing such works with little regard to contemporary performing practices.

The performance of the Quintet is much more vibrant and consistent, aided by Marc-André Hamelin’s animated pianism, although the march in the second movement feels a bit leaden at times and the agitato viola statement of the theme is both coarse and weak.

Taken as a whole, however, this disc shows the Takács Quartet still to be an ensemble of the first rank. Younger ensembles may restrain their use of the vibrato rather more, but such mannerisms are made up for by the depth and insight of these performances. Hyperion has produced this disc well with admirable clarity of sound, while the booklet notes provide an informative essay.

— David Milsom

-----------------------------------------------------------

Robert Schumann (8 June 1810 – 29 July 1856) was a German composer and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era, and left an array of acclaimed music in virtually all the forms then known. Schumann's published compositions were written exclusively for the piano until 1840; he later composed works for piano and orchestra; many Lieder (songs for voice and piano); four symphonies; an opera; and other orchestral, choral, and chamber works. Schumann suffered from a lifelong mental disorder, and died in 1856 without having recovered from his illness.

***

Marc-André Hamelin (born 5 September 1961 in Montreal) is a distinguished Canadian pianist and composer renowned for his exceptional technique and distinctive interpretations of the classical repertoire. Internationally acclaimed, he has earned 11 Grammy Award nominations and has recorded extensively with the Hyperion label. Hamelin is particularly noted for his commitment to exploring and performing works by lesser-known composers, especially from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as pieces by pianist-composers. He has composed several works himself, including a set of piano études in all the minor keys.

***

The Takács Quartet was formed in 1975 at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest by Gabor Takács-Nagy, Károly Schranz, Gabor Ormai and András Fejér. Current members include Edward Dusinberre, Harumi Rhodes (violins), Richard O’Neill (viola) and András Fejér (cello). All members are Christoffersen Fellows and Artists in Residence at the University of Colorado, Boulder. For their CDs on Hyperion and Decca labels, the Quartet has won four Gramophone Awards, a Grammy Award, three Japanese Record Academy Awards, Disc of the Year at the BBC Music Magazine Awards, and Presto Music Recording of the Year Award.

-----------------------------------------------------------