Another great piano CD released on April 8, this Schumann by Martin Helmchen comes very appropriately in a Montreal context of awareness of ancient instruments, around the new fortepiano in Bourgie Hall. Helmchen chose an 1860 Bechstein piano from Chris Maene’s collection very similar to what is heard in András Schiff’s recording of the Piano concertos of Brahms (ECM). Sebastian Stein’s close but airy capture gives it body and aplomb, and the mechanics respond superbly to the demands of Schumann’s music (Novellette VI, very quickly and with a lot of humor). Martin Helmchen intersperses three musical evenings by Clara between Robert’s works. As shown by his Toccatina, he never sacrifices momentum to instrumental constraints, even though the autumnal colors of Bechtein give an admirable patina to the musical subject. As proof, we want the very touching and peaceful cantabile of the first of five Dawn Songs. Helmchen perfectly captures Schumann’s poetics.
To see in video