Robert Schumann: Humoreske op.20 on CD

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Angela Hewitt's recent Schumann performances in the concert hall were praised for their »urgency, jubilation and introspection« and »power and finesse«. Now for the first time she has recorded two of his greatest piano works for Hyperion. Her clean, thoughtful, incisively musical playing which nevertheless allows a flow of passion to be released is perfectly suited to this music.

The Sonata in F sharp minor Op 11 was described by the composer to his beloved Clara Wieck as »a cry from my heart to yours«. From the arresting opening to the bouncing Allegro vivace of the first movement and through to the majestic, orchestral-sounding finale, Clara's imprints are everywhere in the work and Angela Hewitt traces this influence in her scholarly yet deeply personal booklet notes. Humoreske in B flat major was also written for Clara, and is a study of changing and ambiguous moods, melancholy tempered with tenderness, interspersed with dazzling bravura moments including one of the most difficult passages in all his piano works — a breathtaking emotional tour de force.

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»As ever with this pianist, we get playing that is thoughtful, thought-provoking, finely finished and intricantly nuanced. She imbues the opening movement of the sonata with a sure sense of structure and pace, and finds more energy than many of her rivals in the Scherzo« (Gramophone)

»Hewitt's recordings are self-sufficient without the need for comparisons, but her Schumann sonata can hold its own against Maurizio Pollini's impressive 1973 version … The best possible way to make its acquaintance« (International Record Review)

»Her command of the keyboard is, as always, breathtaking … When Hewitt tackles composers that call forth her special talents, she has few equals« (Fanfare, USA)

»Hewitt's highly personal performances demonstrate a sure grasp of character. Her deep understanding of the music's beauties, quirks, and pitfalls makes for a most compelling listening experience« (American Record Guide)