Erwin Schulhoff: Piano Concerto, Op. 11 & Der Bürger als Edelmann Suite

“…Rische gives a hugely compelling performance of the concerto accompanied by noteworthy playing from the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln under Israel Yinon… The group of players from the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin provide a sparkling performance[Der Bürger als Edelmann Suite], both brightly coloured and ebullient. One senses that Michael Rische is entirely engaged with his piano part, making a valuable contribution to the success of the performance…Presenting two of Schulhoff’s finest works, both well performed and recorded, this Hänssler album would be a good place for newcomers to start getting to know his music. “    

Nominee in the Concerto category

“… Rische and the WDR Sinfonieorchester under Israel Yinon make a fine case for it [Piano Concerto Op. 11], not as a great work but highly engaging music…”

Recommended

“… With excellent performances in vibrant sound, this disc fills a notable gap in the Schulhoff discography. The music is both well-crafted and infectious and a nice change from the standard repertoire of the early twentieth century. Listening to it several times, it put a smile on my face.”

“… Both these scores are essentially light-hearted, the concerto youthful and vibrant, the concert suite feasting on the many opportunities for variation in dance rhythms through the use of the tango and waltz among others. Rische is again primus inter pares here and Israel Yinon, in the concerto, and Gerd Albrecht direct with authority… vibrant performances.”

Interpretation *****      Sound ******     Repertoire *****