<<  -- 3 --  Robert Anderson    EDITOR'S CHOICE?

In between much that is hectic in the manner of President Bush's desire to take himself to Mars (as soon as possible, please), there is the occasional moment of repose, as when in the Adagio of No 1 Schumann affectionately recalls the slow movement of Beethoven's Ninth [listen -- track 3, 0:00-1:34].

The most original movement is the 'Scherzo' of No 3, which Schumann casts as a subtle set of variations. The team does not have the measure of its wayward charm. Clara was right that here in fact was something 'new'. The Zehetmair players divert attention from the novelty by an occasional roughness that is quite out of character. These two variations show them at their worst and their best [listen -- track 6, 1:25-2:33].

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