Schumann Trilogy awarded with 2016 Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik

Nov 27, 2016

The critically lauded harmonia mundi 3-album project highlighting works by Schumann, with acclaimed soloists and the Freiburger Barockorchester, led by Pablo Heras-Casado, has been honored with the 2016 Jahrespreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. The multi-album trilogy, which features performances by cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, violinist Isabelle Faust and pianist Alexander Melnikov, includes “Schumann: Cello Concerto, Piano Trio No.1,” “Schumann: Piano Concerto, Piano Trio No.2” and “Schumann: Violin Concerto, Piano Trio No. 3.” See Pablo’s Recordings page for his complete discography, which includes purchase links for all of the CDs listed above.

The Jahrespreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik is the most revered award of its kind in Germany, and is voted on annually by a jury of select classical music critics. For additional details on the award and all of this year’s honorees, visit Schallplattenkritik.de.

Critical acclaim for the Schumann trilogy:

“One factor that really gives a lift to the sound is the use of gut-stringed instruments and orchestral forces that Schumann would have recognised; Pablo Heras-Casado and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra made an impression on me with their recording of Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang some months ago, and they’ve worked the same magic here; the music just has that extra little bit of bite where it’s needed …” (Presto News)

“Subtlety and finesse are the operatives in what will be one of the best recordings of the work for some time.” (The Washington Post)

“Pablo Heras-Casado and the orchestra bring some beautifully Schumannesque broader orchestral passages before gently slipping into the second movement . . . This is an absolutely terrific performance full of poetry, fire and passion. ” (The Classical Reviewer)