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.

The Sonata in F sharp minor Op 11 was described by the composer to his beloved Clara Wieck as ‘a cry from my heart to yours’. From the arresting opening to the bouncing Allegro vivace of the first movement and through to the majestic, orchestral-sounding finale, Clara’s imprints are everywhere in the work and Angela Hewitt traces this influence in her scholarly yet deeply personal booklet notes. Humoreske in B flat major was also written for Clara, and is a study of changing and ambiguous moods, melancholy tempered with tenderness, interspersed with dazzling bravura moments including one of the most difficult passages in all his piano works — a breathtaking emotional tour de force.

Piano Sonata No 1 in F sharp minor Op 11 (36’48)
1 Introduzione: Un poco adagio – Allegro vivace (13’51)
2 Aria (4’31)
3 Scherzo e Intermezzo: Allegrissimo – Lento (5’27)
4 Allegro un poco maestoso (12’59)

Humoreske in B flat major Op 20 (28’54)
5 Einfach – Sehr rasch und leicht – Wie im Anfang (5’44)
6 Hastig – Nach und nach immer lebhafter und stärker – Adagio (5’24)
7 Einfach und zart – Intermezzo (4’33)
8 Innig – Sehr lebhaft – Mit einigem Pomp (6’32)
9 Zum Beschluß (6’41)

Angela Hewitt has recorded two of Schumann’s greatest piano works. Her clean, thoughtful, incisively musical playing which nevertheless allows a flow of passion to be released is perfectly suited to this music.

“A compelling Schumann player” (CLASSIC FM MAGAZINE INSTRUMENTAL DISC OF THE MONTH)

“Unreservedly superb” (The Guardian)

“As ever with this pianist, we get playing that is thoughtful, thought-provoking, finely finished and intricantly nuanced.” (Gramophone)