COMPOSERS: Schumann
LABELS: Erato
WORKS: Chamber Music
PERFORMER: Jean Hubeau (piano), Daria Hovora (piano), Pierre Del Vescovo (horn), Walter Boeykens (clarinet), Gérard Caussé (viola), Pierre Pierlot (oboe)Quatuor Via Nova
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-96962-2 ADD (1980)
Who’d have thought Schumann’s chamber music would fill six discs? Apart from the Piano Quintet and, to a lesser extent, the Piano Quartet, Phantasiestücke and Funf Stücke im Volkston, very little is in the popular repertoire. The conclusion this suggests – that Schumann was at his best with the piano and in more ephemeral musical structures – has often been cited. But the Quatuor Via Nova here convince otherwise with their rich, taut interpretations of the three string quartets, with full but well-controlled vibrato.
Schumann: Chamber Music
Who’d have thought Schumann’s chamber music would fill six discs? Apart from the Piano Quintet and, to a lesser extent, the Piano Quartet, Phantasiestücke and Funf Stücke im Volkston, very little is in the popular repertoire. The conclusion this suggests – that Schumann was at his best with the piano and in more ephemeral musical structures – has often been cited. But the Quatuor Via Nova here convince otherwise with their rich, taut interpretations of the three string quartets, with full but well-controlled vibrato.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm