Schumann Cello

It is good to be reminded of du Pré’s vivid, intense and joyful music-making” wrote Gramophone of this pairing of cello concertos by Schumann and Saint-Saëns. “The Schumann has that kind of spontaneous freedom of line that made her account of the Elgar so famous. Her delicacy of response in the slow movement is matched by a romantic flair which carries the outer movements along so admirably. Barenboim directs a sympathetic accompaniment, following her subtle manipulation of rubato with complete understanding.

Delivered in a limpid tone and with neat fingerwork, Argerich’s 1978 account of the Piano Concerto is characteristically resolute. Though she enjoys its moments of display, her sympathy with its poetic moods is keen. She also listens to the orchestra, which provides some attractive woodwind solos. Her accompanist, Rostropovich, is a good listener too, and doubtless the better for being a soloist himself, as in the 1961 performance of the Cello Concerto under the supportive Rozhdestvensky. A curiously sketchy work, the Concerto’s inward qualities receive passionate treatment, though the sound is rough.

Cellist Yang Sung-won released his ninth album "Echo of Romance" produced by classical label DECCA on the 29th May. According to Universal Music, the album includes the Schumann Cello Concerto, Clara Schumann's three romances Op.22 and Brahms' clarinet trio in a minor Op.114th place was included. A Universal Music official said, "These are works that allow you to read the intense artistic collaboration between Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Brahms."