Between 1841 and 1843 Schumann wrote some of his greatest chamber works, among them the Piano Quartet and the Piano Quintet, both in E flat major. Written in an astonishing five-day period, the Quintet displays both the heroic and the lyric impulses in his music, boldness contrasting with songful tenderness, and march themes with lyricism. The Piano Quartet also exudes such qualities, not least in the ravishing slow movement, and the masterful breadth of Schumann's expression. The four MeÃ±rchenerzahlungen are happy, energetic pieces. Winning high praise from the American press, pianist Xiayin Wang has toured with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra in St Petersburg itself, as well as in the United States. Founded in Chicago in 1946, and based at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee since 1963, the Fine Arts Quartet is one of the elite few to have recorded and toured internationally for over half a century.

Tracklist:

Piano Quintet In E Flat Major, Op. 44: I. Allegro Brillante
Piano Quintet In E Flat Major, Op. 44: II. In Modo D'una Marcia. Un Poco Largamente
Piano Quintet In E Flat Major, Op. 44: III. Scherzo: Molto Vivace - Trio I - Trio II - L'istesso Tempo
Piano Quintet In E Flat Major, Op. 44: IV. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Piano Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 47: I. Sostenuto Assai - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Piano Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 47: II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Piano Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 47: III. Andante Cantabile
Piano Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 47: IV. Finale: Vivace
Marchenerzahlungen (Fairy Tale Narrations), Op. 132 *: I. Lebhaft, Nicht Zu Schnell
Marchenerzahlungen (Fairy Tale Narrations), Op. 132 *: II. Lebhaft Und Sehr Markirt
Marchenerzahlungen (Fairy Tale Narrations), Op. 132 *: III. Ruhiges Tempo, Mit Zarten Ausdruck
Marchenerzahlungen (Fairy Tale Narrations), Op. 132 *: IV. Lebhaft, Sehr Markirt

UPC: 747313266173
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 9.25.12
Format: CD

Xiayin Wang - Piano Quintet / Piano Quartet / Marchenerzahlungen (CD)