Catalogue

Summary:

“A prize-winning pianist makes his mark in Schumann with fine and sensitive playing … Excellent recording, first-class accompanying essay and lavish presentation” Editor’s Choice – Gramophone

“This lively, intelligent British pianist’s most appealing qualities here are his unfailing lyricism, singing tone, lightness of touch and sense of élan (crucial to so much Schumann)” – Classic FM

“McCawley gives neat, intensely musical performances in which he meets every technical challenge with total confidence” – The Guardian

“Leon McCawley makes a formidable impression … is varied tone color and articulation deliciously animate the mercurial piano writing” – Classics Today

“the new Leon McCawley set of Schumann piano works has much to offer. The performances bespeak an insightful awareness of Schumann’s alter-egos, and I feel that most listeners would be very pleased with the set” – MusicWeb

“I ask myself, not for the first time, why we do not hear more of Leon McCawley in London’s concert halls or on CD.” So mused the writer of The Gramophone’s Letter of the Month in April 2003. With this release Avie aimed to satisfy his wish.

Described as “a pianist of rare quality” by The Daily Telegraph, Leon McCawley has emerged as the leading British pianist of his generation. He captured international attention in 1993 when he won both First Prize in the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna and Second Prize in the Leeds International Competition. His singular synthesis of strength and lyricism lends itself exquisitely to music of the Romantic era, making his Schumann recording for Avie apt indeed.

This 2-CD set, comprising over two hours of essential solo piano works by Robert Schumann, is a perfect primer for anyone new to this repertoire as well as a valuable addition to the informed collector’s library.

Tracklist:

ROBERT SCHUMANN (1810–1856)

CD 1

1. Papillones Op. 2 (14:31)

Davidsbundlertanze, Op. 6
2. Lebhaft (1:41)
3. Innig (1:49)
4. Mit humor (1:25)
5. Ungeduldig (0:45)
6. Einfach (1:54)
7. Sehr rasch (1:52)
8. Nicht schnell (4:20)
9. Frisch (1:34)
11. Balladenmassig. Sehr rasch (1:30)
12. Einfach (1:48)
13. Mit Humor (0:45)
14. Wild und lustig (3:12)
15. Zart und singend (2:20)
16. Frisch (2:04)
17. Mit gutem Humor (1:44)
18. Wie aus der Derne (3:48)
19. Nicht schnell (1:54)

Waldszenen, Op. 82
20. Eintritt (1:48)
21. Jager auf der Lauer (1:27)
22. Einsame Blumen (1:50)
23. Verrufene Stelle (3:27)
24. Freundliche Landschaft (1:09)
25. Herberge (2:04)
26. Vogel als Prophet (3:01)
27. Jaglied (2:25)
28. Abschied (3:43)

Total duration CD 1: 70:53

CD 2

1. Widmung (3:26)
2. Fruhlingsnacht (2:36)

Fantasiestucke, Op.12
3. Des Abends (3:31)
4. Aufschwung (3:12)
5. Warum (2:27)
6. Grillen (3:02)
7. In der Nacht (3:53)
8. Fabel (2:36)
9. Traumes Wirren (2:24)
10. Ende vom Lied (4:58)
11. Arabeske Op. 18 (6:35)

Kreisleriana, Op. 16
12. Ausserst bewegt (2:42)
13. Sehre innig und nicht zu rasch (8:37)
14. Sehr aufgeregt (4:09)
15. Sehr langsam (3:45)
16. Sehr lebhaft (3:04)
17. Sehr langsam (4:01)
18. Sehr rasch (2:10)
19. Schnell und spielend (3:39)

Total duration CD 2: 70:47

Recorded 10 – 14 September 2003, at St. George’s, Bristol
Recording Producer: Nigel Wilkinson
Recording Engineer: Colin Rae