Schumann: Humoreske, Op. 20

“ While in [Le Sage's] previous collection of Schumann's chamber music with piano he showed himself to be an attentive collaborator, his solo piano playing never really suggests that he has strong enough views on Schumann to justify a whole series of discs. In the Humoresque, the F sharp minor Sonata and the Etudes Symphoniques, his playing is perfectly correct and musical, but ultimately just tepid; if the Bunte Blätter Op 99 fares better, it's because the 14 pieces are less memorable musically and expressively far less ambitious.” The Guardian, 6th July 2008 **

“Throughout this recital Le Sage is especially good at conveying the music's impulsiveness, but he also responds well to the more poetic side of Schumann. These are altogether exceptionally sympathetic and rewarding performances.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2008 ****

“a really striking player…very musicianly in Schumann” CD Review

Angela Hewitt’s recent Schumann performances in the concert hall were praised for their ‘urgency, jubilation and introspection’ and ‘power and finesse’. Now for the first time she has recorded two of his greatest piano works for Hyperion. Her clean, thoughtful, incisively musical playing which nevertheless allows a flow of passion to be released is perfectly suited to this music.

“Sonata, fantasia, humoresk: what's in a name when Schumann's lyric muse lets inspired ideas loose in such profusion? Never have they sounded easier or more natural than in Angela Hewitt's seemingly effortless but always adventurous interpretations.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 *****

Angela Hewitt’s recent Schumann performances in the concert hall were praised for their ‘urgency, jubilation and introspection’ and ‘power and finesse’. Now for the first time she has recorded two of his greatest piano works for Hyperion. Her clean, thoughtful, incisively musical playing which nevertheless allows a flow of passion to be released is perfectly suited to this music.