At the Heart of the Piano
A special 3-CD / triple digital album of great Romantic works by one of the world’s most accomplished pianists specialising in works of that era. These stunning performances of Busoni’s Chaconne (after J S Bach) and Berg’s Sonata are receiving their first release; the other tracks were previously issued (on CD only, not digitally ) by Bayer and have been newly remastered.
Schliessmann is a unique interpreter, never afraid to find a new expression and always searching for the heart of the music and the composer’s inspiration.
On their initial release these recordings attracted great accolades: American Record Guide said : “The best pianist I know at entering the world and expressing the awareness of the German romantics. There is something personal and unique about Schliessmann’s Schumann. It does not sound like anyone else’s. He is better than any other pianist I have heard.”
High Performance Review said of his Scriabin: “This is the most imaginative playing one has heard yet – on the level of Richter, Michelangeli, Wild, Gould – the highest order of artistry.”
Track Listing
-
Ferruccio Busoni:
- Chaconne in D minor (after Bach's Partita No. 2, BWV 1004) Robert Schumann:
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - I. Theme
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - II. Variation I
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - III. Variation II
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - IV. Variation III
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - V. Variation IV
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - VI. Variation V
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - VII. Variation VI
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - VIII. Variation VII
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - IX. Variation VIII
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - X. Variation IX
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XI. Variation X
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XII. Variation XI
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XIV. Variation XII
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XV. Variation XIV
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XVI. Variation XV
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XVII. Variaion XVI
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 - XVIII. Finale
- Fantasie in C major, Op. 17 - I. Durchaus phantastich..
- Fantasie in C major, Op. 17 - II. Massig. Durchaus energisch
- Fantasie in C major, Op. 17 - III. Langsam getragen Franz Liszt:
- Piano Sonata in B minor - I.
- Piano Sonata in B minor - II.
- Piano Sonata in B minor - - III. Alexander Scriabin:
- Piano Sonata in F sharp minor, op. 23 - I. Drammatico
- Piano Sonata in F sharp minor, op. 23 - II. Allegretto
- Piano Sonata in F sharp minor, op. 23 - III. Andante
- Piano Sonata in F sharp minor, op. 23 - IV. Presto con fuoco
- Etude in C sharp minor, Op. 2 No. 1
- Etude in D sharp minor, Op. 8 No. 12
- Prelude in C major, Op. 11 No. 1
- Prelude in C sharp minor, Op. 11 No. 10
- Prelude in E major, Op. 11 No. 9
- Prelude in G major, Op. 11 No. 3
- Prelude in G flat major, Op. 11 No. 13
- Prelude in E flat minor, Op. 11 No. 14
- Prelude in G flat major, Op. 16 No. 3
- Prelude in E flat minor, Op. 16 No. 4
- Prelude in G minor, Op. 27 No. 1
- Prelude in B major, Op. 27 No. 2
- Prelude in B major, Op. 37 No. 3
- Prelude in A minor, Op. 51 No. 2
- Prelude in G major, Op, 51 No. 4
- Deux Danses, Op. 73 - No. 1 Guirlandes
- Deux Danses, Op. 73 - No. 2 Flammes sombres
- Cinq Preludes, Op. 74 - No. 1
- Cinq Preludes, Op. 74 - No. 2
- Cinq Preludes, Op. 74 - No. 3
- Cinq Preludes, Op. 74 - No. 4
- Cinq Preludes, Op. 74 - No. 5 Alban Berg:
- Piano Sonata, Op. 1
Reviews
“This stylistically uniform and yet versatile presentation of Schliessmann’s pianistic work succeeds, which, through the pianist’s highly personal views, brings us closer to masterpieces from different eras in a very human way and invites us to explore them. In the recordings he shows himself to be a pianist with a strong character who knows how to shape the works according to his ideas. These older recordings shine with new mastering in fresh splendor, so that they are now given the soundworld they deserve.
” —Oliver Fraenzke
“Abundant monumentalism but also soft, rounded brushstrokes, made crystalline. Burkard Schliessmann is one of the currently most appreciated and interesting German pianists at an international level. Artistic interpretation 4/5; Technical value 4/5.
” —Andrea Bedetti
“A collection of dynamite recordings… his Schumann recordings call for special recognition. An inspiring triumph of faith and art. For yours truly, a nice revelation.
” —Phil Muse
“This commanding, almost regal selection of recordings from Burkard Schliessmann is a shining example of integrity and intelligence in music, welded to a technique of gargantuan proportions. This is a most thought-provoking set, overflowing with performances of insight, and beautifully recorded.
” —Colin Clarke
“To my sustained delight, Schliessmann reveals himself as a Romantic temperament deeply motivated by both intimacy and intuition, sustained by a wholesome and astonishing technical resource… let me assure possible auditors of the miraculous power of spontaneity that permeates these realizations.
” —Gary Lemco
“Schliessmann plays all of this challenging repertoire with an impressively assured technique that is always at the service of the music. Schliessmann’s interpretations exhibit a convincing ebb and flow, and the ability to draw upon a wide range of colors and dynamics to create the appropriate sound world for the work at hand. All beautifully played, unfailingly musical, and masterfully structured and paced. I found this recital immensely satisfying, and I am delighted to recommend it for your consideration.
” —Ken Meltzer
“Schliessmann’s commanding performance is beautifully variegated… [his] technique is rock solid. Considered, polished reading… magnificently powerful, warmth and academic integrity.
” —Colin Clarke
“This is a very fine release/re-release indeed. Burkard Schliessmann proves a first-rate interpreter of a variety of Romantic piano music– and in so doing, affirms or reaffirms the quality of the works he plays. His finely balanced and carefully considered handling are first-rate. Top-notch interpretations of multifaceted works.
” —Mark J. Estren
“Burkard Schliessmann is one of the compelling pianists and artists of the modern era… a unique interpreter, never afraid to find a new expression and always searching for the heart of the music and the composer’s inspiration.
” —John Pitt
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