Album: Schumann, Hommage à Bach – Andreas Staier, (Harmonia Mundi)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andreas Staier's first disc of Schumann is a collaborative triumph.
The 1837 Erard piano he plays is silver-toned, enigmatic, with surprisingly deep reserves of sound. Eight artfully selected fragments from the 1848 'Album für die Jugend' introduce a programme largely inspired by Bach: the "Scherzo, Gigue, Romanze und Fughette", "Sieben Clavierstücke in Fughettenform", "Waldszenen" and "Kinderszenen". Subtly coloured and almost transparent in texture, Staier's playing has gravity, romance and rigour.
Pick of the album: A grave and introverted performance of the 'Figurierter Choral'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments