Schumann Journal

On three CDs, the pianist Burkard Schliessmann bundles piano pieces by Robert Schumann that can be categorised as ‘fantasy pieces’. As a renowned expert in the music of the German Romantics, Schliessmann’s interpretations open up completely new, surprising and unexpected horizons and lead into fascinating spheres of poetry, tone colours, expression and agogics.

An essay by the pianist in the trilingual booklet provides information about the special interpretation approach under the label ‘Phantasmagorias’. Since the release of the album, the reviews have been overflowing with enthusiasm, and one can only agree with this in every respect.

Schliessmann’s playing is richly coloured and multi-faceted, reflecting every required mood, captivating and with stupendous technique; no detail of Schumann’s scores goes undetected. The pianist plays on an unusual Steinway grand piano (D-612236), which is equipped with two keyboards including action and hammers (one lighter, one darker).

The recording technology in the Teldex Studio in Berlin with 14 microphones is also exceptional. All in all, this album is not only highly recommended, but really a MUST!

—Irmgard Knechtges-Obrecht