Pablo Casals: Schumann Cello Concerto (3/3)

Robert Schumann:
Cello Concerto in A minor, Op.129;
III. Sehr lebhaft (part 2/2) -

Pau Casals, cello;
Eugene Ormandy, Prades Festival Orchestra
(1953)

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It seems that Casals' recording of the Schumann Concerto has never been very popular, but to me this is simply an incredible and unique performance (at least if one likes this style of playing...)

[Btw, for those who know this recording only from the CD reissue, it may be interesting to note that they made two small cuts in the last movement...
see my comparison video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLQUxAJD04 ]
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Category:

Music

Tags:

• Schumann
• Cello
• Concerto
• Casals
• Ormandy

[bonnmystic]

Would you by chance have the funf Stucke Im Volkston on the opposite side if this LP?

[ConAnima88]

Yes, I have these pieces as well, I might upload them some day when I have the time!

[LucioEiji]

Did you notice how he aims for the high note at 3:41 with a subtle left-hand pizzicato?

This piece fits Casals style greatly

[ConAnima88]

Glad you noticed this as well! I also feel that these small details are an integral part of Casals style. And can you imagine that in the CD reissue they actually CUT this OUT?! I am so happy to have an original LP of this recording, and I was very annoyed by this arbitrary tampering with Casals playing by some arrogant producers. I even prepared a small comparison video some time ago, which I have finished now!

[fabercellist]

@LucioEiji

I believe it's not a pizzicato but just a 'left-hand slap', quite a common technique to get to a high note

(put your 1st finger one third below the goal-note, than slam your 3rd onto the right spot. Although todays esthetique wouldn't allow an audible slap such as Casals', the technique itself is still working quite well)

[euryanteus]

amazing..! such power at 77 y/o....

[gemmasasha]

Please, change the name if you have some respect for the artist, he would be very sad if he saw this. Pau was his name, the dictator forced people to translate their name but when the dictatorship ended people like Pau changed it immediately, he was called Pau by his people and friends.

[juanbosco31]

A la memoria de Don Pablo ....

[cellofacir]

Really unbelievable at 77! I like his tempi very. It is said though that at this recording after recording session the recording manager would have suggested some bits as to be replaced, but Casals would have said that he was sattisfaid. Then there was one of his students that made the retakes. I have myself difficultis to belive this story.

[bonnmystic]

@ConAnima88 Great. Might you be able to upload the Nicht Schnel mit viel Ton zuspielen? I haven't heard this in fifteen years and remember it as a real reperesentative of the most etherial in classical performance.

[Free4Catalonia]

The master Pau Casals would have never wanted his first name to be changed for Paul, Paolo or Pablo. If we don't say Chuman instead of Shumann... Why to say; Paul Casals, Paolo Casals, or Pablo Casals, intead of his real name: PAU CASALS

[roberto1957]

maravilloso

[munkybrain]

it only shows up because of the microphone. you'd hardly hear it at a performance i think. It's so endearing, though!

I agree this piece suits Casals I havn't heard another version i prefer