Search - Robert Schumann, Maurizio Pollini :: Schumann: Kreisleriana; Gesänge der Frühe; Allegro in B minor

Splendid Schumann From Pollini

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 12/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new recording from Maurizio Pollini certainly ranks among his best, and is also a personal favorite. Here he seems to infuse better a bit more lyricism and warmth than I have heard him on some of his recent recordings. His exquisite playing of Schumann's "Kreisleriana" is among the most vibrant, dynamic performances I've heard; it could easily be the best. But the others, especially the Allegro in B minor are just as fine. It's a shame you have to pay a premium price for less than 50 minutes worth of music, but in Pollini's hands, it is a price worth paying."

Definitive Kreisleriana

Russell I. Burnett | Newark, DE, USA | 06/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first exposure to Kreisleriana was via the 1985 Horowitz recording, which many had raved about. I wasn't particularly impressed by the piece, but I went ahead and purchased the Pollini recording based purely on past experience with Pollini and Schumann. I've been thrilled with that decision. Pollini's interpretation quickly raised Kreisleriana to masterpiece status in my library.



Out of curiosity I listened to the Argerich recording as well, and while I prefer it to Horowitz, it still lacks the clarity that Pollini provides. I absolutely agree with a previous reviewer who called this one of Pollini's finest recordings."