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CDA67175

Buy? £13.99

Recording details: December 1999
Henry Wood Hall, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Andrew Keener
Engineered by Tony Faulkner
Release date: August 2000
Total duration: 71 minutes 11 seconds
Available for download on iTunes: Yes

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CLASSIC CD DISC OF THE MONTH
RADIO 3 CD REVIEW DISC OF THE WEEK

'The Florestans - named after the more extrovert of Schumann's two artistic alter egos - have, in only five years, established themselves as the piano trio par excellence of our day. Their previous Schumann disc, comprising the D minor and F major trios, won deserved acclaim and a clutch of awards. Now they turn their attention to the late G minor trio, a comparative rarity in the concert hall these days. Listening to such exhilarating, spontaneous accounts of this wonderful music, it is hard to understand its neglect. Another superlative issue from Hyperion and the Florestans.' (The Sunday Times)

'The Florestan Trio plays all these works with characteristic thoughtfulness and intelligence. It is difficult to find fault with its performances. A valuable and highly enjoyable addition to the Schumann discography' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Revelatory performances from the Florestan. Excellently recorded, this welcome disc should win all three works a new lease of life' (Gramophone)

'This latest recording confirms that the Florestan Trio has become one of the most exciting and compelling chamber groups around. Their skill is that they let the music speak for itself but play it with passion ... magical' (Daily Express)

'Marvellous performances. The Florestan trio, individually and as an ensemble, plays with flawless technique, integrating sounds and ideas perfectly. Altogether, a fine recording' (Fanfare)

'Delightful. Most refined performances of lovely music' (Classic CD)

'A triumphant successor to their previous disc of Schumann. Indeed, it’s one of the best discs of Schumann chamber music I’ve heard in recent years' (International Record Review)

'Irresistibly lovely music, the Florestans respond to it with performances of finesse and insight. Textures are warm, and the recording clear and well-focused. A first-rate recommendation' (The Scotsman)

'First rate in every way: thoughtful and spirited accounts of all three pieces' (Classic FM Magazine)

Fantasiestücke
Piano Trio No 3 in G minor, Op 110
Fantasiestücke, Op 88
Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op 47
Following the huge success of their disc of Schumann's first two Piano Trios (CDA67063) which won a Gramophone Award and was descibed as the best chamber record of 1999 by BBC Radio 3, The Florestan Trio here complete their recording of all Schumann's Trios and present further chamber works by Schumann. In the Piano Quartet the trio are joined by viola player Thomas Riebl who performed the work with them most recently at London's Wigmore Hall, to great critical acclaim. Although the Quartet in E flat has never achieved the same degree of popularity as the famous Quintet that preceeded it, this wonderful performance is sure to win the work new admirers.