Album

In this ECM New Series album, cellist Christoph Richter takes on an extraordinarily challenging program, both for him as a performer as well as for his listeners. The disc opens with Clara Schumann's Drei Romanzen, originally for violin and piano. These rich, charming works are a prime example of Clara's command over melody that was at least equal to that of her husband; on this album, however, they serve more as a stand-in for the Romances written by Robert that were subsequently destroyed by Clara to prevent their posthumous publication. Next on the program are the works of Heinz Holliger, a composer whose own works are greatly inspired by Clara, Robert, and indeed their friend Brahms as well. Holliger's Romances go so far as to tell a story of Robert's bygone composition and their ultimate destruction. Relying heavily on extended techniques, Romancendres is a cerebral and challenging work to digest following Clara Schumann's Romantic contribution, but the detailed liner notes help connect Holliger's work with Schumann's in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Richter proves himself to be an exceptionally versatile musician, delivering a beautiful, warm tone in the Schumann, contrasting with an appropriately dry, clear sensibility in the Holliger.

Holliger's homage to Schumann continues with the SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, the Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, and their eerie performance of Gesänge der Frühe, a highly contrasting piece to Schumann's work of the same title. The text includes ominous excerpts of letters regarding Schumann's death and even pathology reports. Regrettably, the liner notes do not provide listeners with an English translation of the text. Both of Holliger's compositions on this album are intriguing and credit is due for his innovative bridging of the centuries, but his style of composition may not be suited for the casual listener

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Clara Wieck Schumann Composer 3 Romances for Violin and Piano, Op.22 Work Recorded 2008 9:52 Denes Varjon Piano, Christoph Richter Cello
1	1.Andante molto	3:12			$0.99
2	2.Allegretto, mit zartem Vortrage	2:54			$0.99
3	3.Leidenschaftlich schnell	3:46			$0.99
Heinz Holliger Composer Romancendres, for cello & piano Work Recorded 2008 21:23 Denes Varjon Piano, Christoph Richter Cello
4	Kondukt 1 (C.S. - R.S.)	2:47			$0.99
5	1.Aurora (Nachts)	5:58			$0.99
6	2.R(asche)S Flügelschlagen	5:21			$0.99
7	3. 'Der Würgengel der Gegenwart'	3:06			$0.99
8	4. 'heiter bewegt' ('Es wehet ein Schatten darin')	2:09			$0.99
9	Kondukt 2 ('Der bleiche Engel der Zukunft')	2:02			$0.99
Heinz Holliger Composer Gesänge der Frühe, for chorus, orchestra & tape Work Recorded 2007 28:16 SWR Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra Orchestra, Bruno Ganz Speech, Serena Wey Speech, Heinz Holliger Piano, Thomas Kessler Electronics, SWR Stuttgart Vocal Ensemble Chorus/Choir, Michael Maassen Speech
10	1.Der Frühling - 'Die Sonne kehrt zu neuen Freuden wieder'	8:29			$1.49
11	2.An - 'Elysium'	9:40			$1.49
12	3.An Diotima - 'Schönes Leben!'	4:41			$0.99
13	4. 'Geh unter, schöne Sonne...'	5:26			$0.99