Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Ouverture, Scherzo et Finale op. 52
Ouverture “Manfred", op. 115
Ouverture “Julius Caesar”, op. 128
Ouverture “Hermann und Dorothea”, op. 136
Symphonie “Zwickauer”

Robert-Schumann-Philharmonie
Frank Beermann, direction

The press has acclaimed our new interpretations of Robert Schumann’s four symphonies on the basis of the original texts in the new Urtext edition of his symphonies by Dr. Joachim Draheim as a genuine discovery: "An extraordinarily airy, transparent recording. Schumann shines in a completely new light. Where one once suspected underdone elegance, the master’s difficult struggle for success is now vividly audible. And previously mildly overdone pathos now respires as a sensuous cabinet piece – while otherwise rather hidden passages expand to great moments" (Freie Presse, Chemnitz, 07/10). And our sequel recording is in every way equal to the first. Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo, and Finale op. 52 may have been overshadowed by his symphonies because the original design of a lighter weight symphony appealing to the public and without a slow movement was not understood, but compelling themes, brilliant orchestral parts, and above all the conclusion with its enchanting interplay of harmonies and tone colors now convey just the opposite message. The fragment of the early, so-called Zwickau Symphony in G minor, a recording premiere based on the new critical edition by Matthias Wendt, shows us the autodidact Schumann as a courageous and imaginative experimenter. And once again Frank Beerman, the charismatic principal conductor of the Robert Schumann Philharmonic, shows these works and three overtures by Schumann in a new interpretive light.