Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Sviatoslav Richter Archives - Volume 13
♪Schumann: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54 [29:42]
USSR State Orchestra, George Georgescu, conductor
(Recorded live, Moscow, April 17 1958)
♪Schumann: Etudes on Caprices by Paganini, Op. 10/4,5,6 [16:12]
(Recorded live, Takasaki, October 16, 1986)
♪Schumann: Märchenbilder for Viola & Piano, Op. 113 [15:43]
with Yuri, Bashmet, viola
(Recorded live, Moscow, December 13 1985)
♪Schumann: Fantasiestücke for Cello & Piano, Op. 73 [10:45]
with Pierre Fournier, cello
(Recorded live, Tours, July 3, 1969)
This one's been around for a while. I pick up the Doremi Richter archives whenever I can, especially if I can get a deal on them. Collaborations with some artists involving Richter are quite rare, such as his participation with the celebrated French cellist, Pierre Fourner, probably the rarest collaboration on this disc. It was recorded 'from the audience' meaning it is not of broadcast quality. Still, the interplay of piano and cello is quite wonderful to hear. Richter breathes so beautifully with Fournier, whose tone is lush and rich. The collaboration with violist Yuri Bashmet is much more natural sounding and was recorded more realistically. The great Schumann concerto offers a strange-sounding oboist who introduces the first theme. At this point, 1958, Richter was in his absolute prime. His playing has a commanding characteristic and is expressive. Technically, it is near perfection. Also, excellent sound for a live 1958 recording from Moscow. Schumann, like Liszt and other composers, was entanced by the music of Nicolo Paganini and here we have three of Schumann's Op. 10 Etudes based on Paganini's violin caprices and like Liszt, Schumann milks these for all they are worth. The Paganini/Schumann pieces have never enjoyed the fame of those by Liszt but are worthy of hearing and are highly virtuosic in their own right. What an infectious singing line Richter brings to this music, particularly in the Etude No. 4 (Maestoso), with some of the thanks going to a splendidly voiced concert grand piano. Each of these Paganini Etudes is a musical gem under Richter's hands and is worth the price of this disc alone. Very impressive Schumann on this entire disc. Jacob Harnoy's remastering is effectively accomplished. ♫
