Schumann and Brahms
Grosvenor takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. He accompanies the work with the melancholic Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann by Schumann’s beloved wife Clara (who, incidentally, stated that she was much disturbed by the visions conjured up in Kreisleriana). Further kaleidoscopic variety is provided by Robert’s Blumenstück, and Quasi Variazione: Andantino de Clara Wieck. The recital also includes Brahms’ Three Intermezzi, autumnal works which shed a fascinating light on the complicated relationship which existed between Robert, Clara and Brahms himself. Grosvenor’s own arrangement of Robert’s Abendlied completes the programme.
Release date: 17 March 2023
ROBERT SCHUMANN
Kreisleriana, Op. 16
3 Romanzen, Op. 28: No. 2 in F-Sharp Major (Einfach)
Blumenstück, Op. 19
Piano Sonata No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 14 “Grand Sonate”: III. Quasi variazioni (Andantino de Clara Wieck)
Schumann: Abendlied, Op. 85 No. 12 (Arr. Grosvenor)
CLARA SCHUMANN
Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Op. 20
JOHANNES BRAHMS
Intermezzi, Op. 117: No. 1 in E-Flat Major
Track List
In The Press
France Musique
‘Grosvenor revives Kreisleriana with a fresh masterly breath (and in the Brahms)…draws colours from the piano: subtle, poetic, magnificently expressive and with great nobility.’
Gramophone – Editor’s Choice
“few hit the sweet spot as artfully as Benjamin Grosvenor”
Limelight – Editor’s Choice *****
‘a very fine release’
Le Devoir *****
‘a masterpiece’
EuropaDisc
‘One of the great Kreisleriana’s on disc’
Rondo Magazine (Germany)
“Benjamin Grosvenor has once again succeeded in creating a magnificent album”
Classique News 5/5
‘totally irresistible under the fingers of Benjamin Grosvenor’