Kristian Bezuidenhout performs on an 1837 Erard fortepiano from Paris, which is part of Edwin Beunk's collection in Enschede, Holland.
Performer Biography
Mark Padmore, the tenor on this album, has established an international career in opera, concert, and recital, with his performances in Bach's Passions gaining particular notice.
Composition History
Schumann's decision to compose lieder, a form he initially dismissed, was partly pragmatic, as publishing lieder became a guaranteed source of income for composers in the advent of middle-class music-making.
Performer Biography
Kristian Bezuidenhout, the fortepiano player on this album, won the prestigious first prize and the audience prize in the Bruges Fortepiano Competition at the age of 21.
Historical Context
The death of Schubert in 1828, following Beethoven's death in 1827, marked a significant moment in Austro-German music, leading to the posthumous publication of Schubert's Schwanengesang.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann, a composer featured on this album, visited Vienna in 1838 hoping to find a new publisher for his journal, the Neue Zeitschrift, and while there, he heard Schubert's 'Great' C major Symphony.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in June 2010 at Air Studios, Lyndhurst Hall, London, England.
