MDG Scene  903 1971-6

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Chamber

Schumann: Fantasiestuck, Op. 73; Abendlied; 5 Stucke in Volkston Tone; Herzelied; Widmung; 3 Romanze, Op. 94; Sangers Trost; Zweilicht; Adagio & Allegro, Op. 70; Mondnacht

Guido Schiefen (cello)
Markus Kreul (piano)


Magical Enterprise
Schumannia – a better title could hardly have been selected for this SACD! Here Guido Schiefen and Markus Kreul present Robert Schumann’s works for violoncello and piano. The fact that the composer originally intended only his “Stücke im Volkston” for these instruments is hardly detrimental to this enterprise – but just the opposite! Schiefen’s highly imaginative, multifaceted, and virtuosic cello playing with excellent bowing enables the listener to experience Schumann’s chamber music in a very special way and enhances these wonderful songs-without-words with superb new magic.

Incomparable Atmosphere
For example, the incomparable atmosphere of Eichendorff’s “Zwielicht” is endowed with such compelling tension that we hardly miss the text, and Schiefen takes the liberty of playing the last strophe in octaves (something no singer could do!) going over into the eerie exhortation: “Be on guard! Keep awake and alert!” Ophelia’s despair, immediately evoked by Markus Kreul with great intensity in the few tones of the piano’s prelude, is very palpable in “Herzeleid.”

Universal Envy
Although the title “Stücke im Volkston” might suggest otherwise, these pieces of folk character hold the greatest difficulties in store for the cellist. An accomplished virtuoso is required to convey their simplicity with the necessary technical brilliance. Just listen to how the two chamber music specialists render the playing instruction “with humor” in the first piece! The Adagio and Allegro was originally intended for the horn, but Schiefen and Kreul’s “fiery” atmospheric picture will arouse the universal envy of horn players.

Indisputable Mastery
The duo members also display their great class in the “Fantasy Pieces” and the “Three Romances.” Here absolutely manic enthusiasm for romanticism sparklingly radiates from each and every measure – a gripping musical experience captured on a finely balanced Super Audio CD – just like the real thing and of course in three dimensions.