Schumann Piano Trios

Schumann’s piano trios were written at the perfect moment, just as the piano itself was growing in range and power, able to produce a smooth, sustained singing tone. The Trios show the composer revelling in the instrument’s new potential, working with the violin and cello as equal partners to create music of passion and beauty: the perfect showcase for the talents of these superb musicians. Duncan Gifford is one of Australia´s best-known concert pianists. After major success in various international piano competitions (Sydney, Dublin, Montreal, Athens, Valencia), he has developed a many-faceted career as soloist and chamber musician, combined with his work as a teacher at the Escuela Superior Reina Sofia in Madrid and the Palma de Mallorca Conservatorium. Violinist Susan Collins is head of strings at the University of Newcastle and former Deputy Concertmaster with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. She has appeared as soloist and recitalist throughout Australia, the US and Europe, and in 2003 was awarded an Australian Centenary Medal for her contribution to Australian society through opera and ballet. Sue-Ellen Paulsen has been principal cellist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra since 1986. She is in constant demand as a chamber musician and recitalist, and has appeared at the Four Winds Festival in Bermagui and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville. A strong advocate for contemporary music, Sue-Ellen has commissioned and premiered many Australian works, and is featured as soloist on CDs of works by Peter Sculthorpe, Richard Mills, Gordon Kerry and Andrew Ford. Track Listing: ROBERT SCHUMANN 1810-1856 Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63 I. Mit Energie und Leidenschaft (With energy and passion) II. Lebhaft, doch nicht zu rasch (Lively, but not too quick) III. Langsam, mit inniger Empfindung (Slow, with inward feeling) IV. Mit Feuer (With fire) Piano Trio No. 2 in F major, Op. 80 I. Sehr lebhaft (Very lively) II. Mit innigem Ausdruck (Expressive, intimate) III. In mäßiger Bewegung (Moderately fast) IV. Nicht zu rasch (Not too quick) Piano Trio No. 3 in G minor, Op. 110 I. Bewegt, doch nicht zu rasch (With movement, but not too quick) II. Ziemlich langsam (Rather slow) III. Rasch (Quick) IV. Kräftig, mit Humor (Strong, with humour)