CHOPIN The Piano Concertos

"Empathetic accompanied by the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra under Matthias Foremny ... Scheps explores the harmonic llight traffic with subtle sound from the piano, elicits another astonishing range of dynamic nuances, which allow individual sounds sometimes shimmering faintly like pearls.

In the best moments, she succeeds in georgeous „singing“ on her instrument - Chopin's ideal was Bellini, the Italian opera! Schep´s play certainly never sugared in contempt of all the delicacy (and this is an art) ..." --Die Zeit, 25.01.2014

Along with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Matthias Formeny Olga Scheps creates a harmonious and complex atmosphere, as it could be possible possible with a small orchestra.The accompaniment by the small ensemble condenses the effect of the piano and flatters without degenerating into decorative padding, as it is often heard in the criticism of the orchestration.

But the biggest compliment deserves Olga Scheps.She fully lives up to a Standard as superb Chopin performer with this recording, which was created in Stuttgart SWR Radio Studios. Her tone clear and sparkling in this highly romantic oeuvre, of which the second one especially, which was created erlier to the E minor Concerto, however is notorious for his technically intricate passages.

She copes all tripping hazards with pianistic finesse and concentrates fully on the introspection of this voluptuous dreamy work. With its lightweight, vocal tone she satifies the audience with the introverted passages as well as with the dance driven ones. And then she follows the final traces of the third set with a noble virtuosity rather than crude sensationalism of impetuous passion of the young Chopin, who has already published this concert at the age of 19, in the seemingly endless runs, she visualizes her obviously great performance as a Chopin interpreter. --Musikwoche, 27.02.2014

RACHMANINOV & CHOPIN Cello Sonatas

Together with long-term duo partner Inon Barnatan, best-selling Decca cellist Alisa Weilerstein records two of the giants of ‘cello chamber music: the Rachmaninov and Chopin sonatas.

“it's hard to imagine many cellist-pianist duos more mutually fond of risk-taking. They certainly don't hold back in Rachmaninov's Cello Sonata, often pushing it to the brink…what emerges is an interpretation in which no single colour outstays its welcome. The same goes for Chopin's Cello Sonata, whose sense of restlessness suits this duo well” --Gramophone Magazine, November 2015

Alisa Weilerstein (cello) & Inon Barnatan (piano)

Alisa Weilerstein’s debut on Decca with the Elgar Cello Concerto (conducted by Daniel Barenboim; his first recording of this outstanding work since his earlier recording with the legendary Jacqueline du Pre) was received rapturously by critics worldwide; and her subsequent recording of the Dvorak cello concerto no less well-received.

Alisa Weilerstein and Inon Barnatan are two of the world’s leading instrumentalists, and this album clearly shows the benefits of a long-lasting chamber music partnership with two exceptional musicians, captured in their prime.

The Rachmaninov Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano – premiered with the composer himself playing the fiendishly tricky piano part – is Rachmaninov’s last chamber music work. One of the first major pieces to be written after Rachmaninov overcame “writer’s block” with a course of hypnotherapy, this is a piece to be discovered and treasured.

Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G minor is one of the few works Chopin wrote for instruments other than the piano; and the last of his works to be published in his lifetime. Remarkable for its concentration of material, no work of Chopin’s gave him more trouble; “I write a little and cross out a lot”, wrote Chopin. Alisa and Inon bring out a wealth of feeling in this emotional rollercoaster of a piece.

By contrast, Chopin’s Introduction and Polonaise Brillante is one of his first published compositions. Full of bravura and verve, it has an undeniable feel for the spirit of the dance and a distinctive theme. Then Chopin’s Etude – essentially a nocturne – brings a dramatic change of character and mood “somber, mysterious dreams” (Heller); “a song of happiness irredeemably lost” (Koczalski).

When Alisa Weilerstein and Inon Barnatan perform together, audiences are enthralled, critics enraptured. This disc sets a new benchmark for recordings of these great works, and this exceptional quality of music-making is certain to set the bar for a long time.

“The pair closed with Chopin’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, a work of such fiendish difficulty that even Chopin was convinced that parts of it might be unplayable. Ms. Weilerstein and Mr. Barnatan put that notion to rest with their poise and passion, and they returned amid thunderous applause”

SOLO

“McCarthy offers good, solid, forthright interpretations, especially of the works that appear in their original form. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate this unusual corner of piano repertoire. But where this CD wins most is in its symbolism: an unlikely candidate for piano stardom overcomes a massive obstacle and fulfils his dream despite everything. That can do more than offer pleasant listening; it can be an example and an inspiration” --BBC Music Magazine, December 2015 ****

“McCarthy is a fine pianist and the piano sings with a generous tone.” --Gramophone Magazine, October 2015

Nicholas McCarthy (piano)

Born without his right hand, award-winning British pianist Nicholas Mccarthy is a champion of the brave, dynamic world of left-hand repertoire. here, in his first solo album, he scales the heights of expressive and virtuosic possibility, presenting his own and others’ transcriptions of works – many of them classical favourites, such as Puccini’s “o mio babbino caro” and Gershwin’s “summertime” – alongside pieces written especially for the left hand. the result is a fascinating and absorbing programme which traces the history of this unique genre from its nineteenth-century beginnings to the present day.

VOCALISE

On her new CD "Vocalise" adds Olga Scheps the piano a beguiling voice with transcriptions and arrangements of vocal compositions of romantic composers such as Franz Liszt's "Liebestraum" and "dedication" (after a song by Robert Schumann), Rachmaninoff Song without Words "Vocalise" or Franz Schubert multifaceted "Wanderer Fantasy", quoted one of his art songs in Schubert. Even with further worth discovering pieces of Chopin, Brahms and Others succeeds in "sing" Olga Scheps adorable on her instrument.

Release date: 24th July 2015