Another new Schumann cycle, you may be saying and after BIS' recent release
of the Second we are surely being spoilt for choice. The interesting thing
and trump card to both new issues are their couplings; on the Swedish label,
orchestrations of piano music, with Chandos it appears to be the choral works
which have been given prominence. I have already enthused and waxed lyrical
about Michael Schonwandt and his conducting of the DNRSO, a prestigious ensemble
that really warrants first-class attention. His Schumann is measured and
beautifully controlled, almost burnished in its lyrical intensity. The First
Movement gains particular exuberance from this reading with bold firm thematic
shaping and particular prominence given to the brass which is absolutely
superb, especially in the coda. The same geniality informs the Scherzo and
the wonderful third movement, a study in relaxed concentration. I always
enjoy comparing the 'Feirlich' movement with Wolfgang Sawallisch's mercurial
account with the Statskapelle Dresden in 1973. I can safely say that Schonwandt
and the DRSO match that exclusive recording perfectly, but the Chandos recording
is much better. In the Finale, Schonwandt crowns a wonderful interpretation
with panache and aplomb, making this recording the most desirable of all
Thirds at the moment.
The cantata 'Des Sangers Fluch' is vintage Schumann. With its wonderful
pensive choral settings and mercurial solo contributions, it is quite comparable
to the 'Faust' and 'Pilgerfahrt' settings, something which I will hope for
from these Danish forces. One can also relish with bated breath and await
further discoveries such as this almost unknown 'The Minstrel's Curse'. Hane
Fischer makes a delightful Queen whilst Rorholm's narrations are colourful
and alert in their responsive enunciations. The male soloists are less
satisfactory although Bo Anker Hansen is quite alert in his contribution
as the King. The real star in this work is the orchestra and the DRSO are
absolute stars in portraying the colourful nuances of the subtle orchestration.
Schonwandt's conducting is forthright and firm, rather in the mould of Gardiner
but he has the benefit of a superbly responsive band. As usual, Chandos'
presentation is superb with a beautiful box and libretto accompanying the
jewel case. I shall be eagerly awaiting further instalments in this cycle
and will begin by placing this issue at the top of my Schumann shortlist
for the present.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
. Hanne
Fischer, Marianne Rorholm, Roland Wagenfuhrer, Dietrich Henschel, Bo Anker
Hansen. Danish National Radio Choir, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Michael Schonwandt. 
