Imogen Cooper - Schumann: "Abegg" Variations, Davidsbündlertänze, Novelletten & "Geistervariationen" (2015) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist
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01. 8 Novelletten, Op. 21: No. 8, Sehr lebhaft
02. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 1, Lebhaft
03. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 2, Innig
04. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 3, Mit Humor
05. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 4, Ungeduldig
06. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 5, Einfach
07. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 6, Sehr rasch
08. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 7, Nicht schnell
09. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 8, Frisch
10. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 9, Lebhaft
11. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 10, Balladenmäßig-Sehr rasch
12. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 11, Einfach
13. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 12, Mit Humor
14. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 13, Wild und lustig
15. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 14, Zart und singend
16. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 15, Frisch
17. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 16, Mit gutem Humor
18. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 17, Wie aus der Ferne
19. Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: No. 18, Nicht schnell
20. 8 Novelletten, Op. 21: No. 2, Ausserst rasch und mit Bravour
21. Theme and Variations on the Name "Abegg", Op. 1: Theme
22. Theme and Variations on the Name "Abegg", Op. 1: Var. 1, —
23. Theme and Variations on the Name "Abegg", Op. 1: Var. 2, —
24. Theme and Variations on the Name "Abegg", Op. 1: Var. 3, —
25. Theme and Variations on the Name "Abegg", Op. 1: Var. 4, Cantabile
26. Theme and Variations on the Name "Abegg", Op. 1: Var. 5, Finale alla fantasia
27. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Theme. Leise, innig
28. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Var. 1, —
29. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Var. 2, Kanonisch
30. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Var. 3, Etwas belebter
31. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Var. 4, —
32. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Var. 5, —
33. Variations on an Original Theme, Anhang F39: Theme

This third recording by Imogen Cooper on Chandos features some of 'obert Schumann's most characteristic and complex works for solo piano. Cooper is one of those artists who are reaching a glorious maturity in middle age; she seems to follow in the steps of her teacher Alfred Brendel, her prodigious virtuosity coexisting with lyrical and emotional wisdom.

This album includes the Davidsbündlertänze which she describes as a 'work of stirring beauty and humour that make it one of the great romantic masterpieces for the piano'.

It also illustrates the journey between two sets of variations: Schumann's first published and last composed piano pieces. While the 'Abegg' is 'virtuosic, extroverted, challenging to play, and charming', the Geistervariationen are 'introverted and sparse, with a deep but elusive emotion'.

Finally, in the two Novelletten Imogen Cooper reveals what she calls the 'hidden narrative filaments to be discovered' in Schumann's music; this requires 'a skill which is very necessary in the interpretation of scores that frequently appear disjointed and illogical'.

"Everything Cooper does speaks of long acquaintance and real empathy…her readings are unfailingly absorbing" (Gramophone Magazine)

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