Schumann Piano Concertos: Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Beatrice Rana

On 3rd February 2023, Warner Classics released our recording of Piano Concertos by Clara Wieck-Schumann and Robert Schumann with pianist Beatrice Rana and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The performances were recorded last summer in Baden-Baden and broadcast online on a number of platforms including Medici and Arte. We were thrilled that the reviews for this very special recording were so enthusiastic and below are a few quotes and mentions from the press:

“It’s Clara’s concerto that stands out above other accounts in the catalogue, a performance that pours straight from the heart in a way that blazes over any doubts about the composer’s ability. Whether it’s thunderous octaves or bel canto elegance, Rana balances the piece’s extraversion and introversion. The solo ‘Romanze’ is pure eloquence. But what could be more thrilling than the storming race to the finish in the finale, whipped up brilliantly by soloist and orchestra, exiting on a final flourish that demands applause.” (BBC Music magazine, March 2023)

Classic FM’s Album of the week (06/02/23)

Gramophone’s best new classical albums this week (06/02/23)

NDR’s Album of the week (06/03/2023)

“Superbly recorded, this disc is of course a new reference of this combination of works” (Crescendo Magazine, 06/02/2023)

“If you pass up Rana’s performance – buoyed by exemplary support from Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the unfortunately unnamed solo cellist – you’re missing something special. (…)” (Gramophone March 2023)

“These are high-class performances of both concertos. Beatrice Rana brings strength and delicacy equally into play and her conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, gets playing of deep tone from the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.” (Financial Times, 21/02/2023)

“Rana’s is a reading full of elegance, and ever so subtle in its inflections, but there is strength of purpose to it, too. It’s a joy to hear.” (New York Times)

“This sumptuous recording of Clara Wieck-Schumann’s only concerto is a major contribution to the modest discography which only features a few recordings of this work. (…) A wonderful disc.” (Classica, March 2023)

“The sound is beautifully balanced, too, especially in the central Romanze with its haunting duet with cello. This is now, I think, the market leader. (…) Rana’s touch is superb throughout as is the accompaniment Nézet-Séguin draws from the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.” (International Piano)

Available to buy and stream on all main platforms including Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and IDAGIO.