Carmelo Giudice
Brahms, Schumann: Balladen Und Fantasien
Three musicians who were both humanely and musically very close to each other: a husband and wife, i.e. Robert and Clara Schumann, and their dear friend Johannes Brahms. A literary figure, i.e. Kapellmeister Kreisler, the creation of genius author E. T. A. Hoffmann, embodying the main traits of the Romantic composer. A series of piano masterpieces, which all connect these three musicians with each other, and them all with the fictional character of Kreisler. Pianist Carmelo Giudice juxtaposes Schumanns Kreisleriana with two piano cycles by Brahms, one from his youthful years (the Ballades op. 10) and one from the last period of his life and creativity (the Fantasies op. 116). An album which will delight both the ears and the intellect, enthralled by the net of relationships among these musicians.