Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.54 (Shelley)

A deep, warm, sensitive recording that features the sort of freely lateral playing that brings out the best in Schumann. The tempos are brisk, light, but there is not a hint of the sort of aggrieved virtuosity that often spoils Schumann. 00:00 -- Mvt I, Allegro affettuoso. In case you think the opening theme is played too fast, note that at *no point* does Schumann indicate that at measure 4 you're supposed to slow down to an andante, though nearly all pianists do this. Shelley keeps the allegretto throughout, and his account features some gorgeous interaction between pianist and orchestra, possibly facilitated by the fact that Shelley is conducting from the piano. 12:53 -- Mvt II, Intermezzo. Yet another instance of Shelley choosing a refreshingly fleet and graceful tempo (the movement is marked not andante but andantino grazioso, remember!) 17:36 -- Mvt III, Allegro Vivace. Beautifully transparent textures, perky and precise figuration, with lovely woodwind playing and surprisingly exuberant cross-rhythms.