Robert Shumann

This is a fine specimen of what duo-playing can and should be. My pleasure in this record is in no small measure down to my enthusiasm for these particular works, among the most attractive and significant products of early romanticism. Chopin's cello sonata seems to me an even better work than his piano sonatas. None other than Tovey gives it high marks for construction, even forgetting for once to include his near-invariable reference to Beethoven as the benchmark in all such matters. Chopin had written for the cello in his early years, and the opus 3 introduction-and-polonaise is included here, but the sonata has a sheer self-assurance about that sounds as if he had been composing for it all his life.

As most of the books say the early piano pieces of Schumann are considered to be the best part of his entire output. This CD presents the two less known cycles of miniatures written in 1838 (Novelletten) and 1839 (Humoresque). Novelletten were written almost at the same time with Kreisleriana and their character has a lot in common with that genious cycle. Humoresque is one more wonderful example of Florestan and Eusebius symbiosis. Both of the pieces are extremely emotional and bear a great deal of beautiful and heartfelt musical thoughts.