Track Listing

1. Allegro affettuoso - Andante espressivo - Allegro
2. Intermezzo - Andante grazioso
3. Allegro vivace
4. Movement 1
5. Movement 2
6. Movement 3
7. Movement 4

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #169624 in Music
• Released on: 1996-02-13
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Hélène Grimaud, who started recording as a teenager, is a splendid pianist. But this isn't a splendid record, and it's not all her fault. The Schumann Concerto is beautifully played by the pianist, but David Zinman doesn't get much impulse out of the orchestra. The over-resonant recording smothers whatever rhythmic vitality the orchestra's playing had. Once we get to Strauss, though, the blame gets spread around, as the playing of both the soloist and the orchestra seems to be pretty where it should be exciting, even demonic. Try Martha Argerich or Peter Serkin (both Sony) for the Strauss, Ivan Moravec (Dorian) or Nelson Freire (Odyssey) for the Schumann. -- Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews

Perfect Schumann
Grimaud is at her finest when playing Brahms and Schumann, and it is during these performances that her efforts go from being a vocation to a religion. A woman that takes her art very seriously, she has given us here a recording of almost unparalleled beauty, complete with subtile personal touches, and an attention to detail few artists her age can exhibit. Simply ignore the Amazon review -Helene is not Martha Argerich, nor does she strive to be. She is unique in her approach, and if one has the opportunity to see her play live, she should not be missed. Zinman is a fine conductor, and his efforts here pay off.

The best version of the Schumann Concerto, period.
I've heard Richter, Perahia (2 versions), Kovacevich, Argerich, and Zimerman on this one concerto. Grimaud's the best, period! Never before has this music been rendered so naturally and effortlessly. Kudos, Ms. Grimaud!

One of the finest recordings of Schumann's Piano Concerto
Helene Grimaud's version deserves top billing alongside Perahia's two versions as the finest recent recordings of Schumann's piano concerto. Hers is a recording I fell in love with immediately, due to her warm, lyrical playing, not because she may be the prettiest celebrated pianist alive! She seems as celebral and as warm as Perahia is, playing all three movements at nearly the same tempi. Admittedly, the German Symphony Orchestra of Berlin isn't as well moulded an ensemble as either the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic, yet David Zinman does a fine job conducting, letting himself and his orchestra serve as sympathetic accompanists to Grimaud's commanding performance. Both Grimaud and the orchestra also give a fine performance of Strauss' "miniature" piano concerto.