Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri - CD

ENGLISH

<br><br>Robert Schumann’s reputation rests on his output for piano, the chamber music, lieder and of course his four symphonies and the ever popular Piano Concerto. He was one of the most innovative and revolutionary composers of his day, and this can be heard in his works in all the above-mentioned genres. <br /> <br /> A body of his work that is just as original and remarkable, though much less widely appreciated, is the choral works from the last decade of his increasingly troubled life. At this time the oratorios of Handel and Bach were popular (thanks to Mendelssohn’s pioneering work), and those of both Spohr and Mendelssohn were also performed frequently in Germany. Schumann wanted to write something different from a conventional oratorio. The story concerns the Persian angel Peri who is thrown out of heaven. To regain entry she has to please heaven; a series of trials await her in this quest.<br /> <br /> The premiere took place in 1843 with the composer conducting his music for the first time and to a great reception from the critics and public. The work is ‘through composed’ in the way that Wagner’s operas had dispensed with recitatives and arias. In the 20th century the work fell out of favour, which is a shame for it shows Schumann at his best, and is the equal to any of the symphonies, piano works and chamber works of his earlier years.<br /> <br /> Other information: <br /> - Recorded in 1994. <br /> - Booklet notes and sung texts included.<br /> - "I found very much to enjoy from the mellifluous Keith Lewis, a tellingly expressive yet never over operatic tenor narrator. And the lyrical warmth of Robert Hale as the penitent sinner (and the baritone soloist in 'Jetzt sank des Abends goldner Schein') removes all danger of the unctuous or lugubrious.." (Gramophone, December 1995).