Schumann: Cello Concerto and Works for Cello & Piano

Not only are all of Schumann’s works for cello here, but there are a few enticing arrangements too. Center stage must be the Cello Concerto, and Schwabe—superbly partnered with Vogt and his orchestra—gives a lovely performance. He’s always alive to Schumann’s prodigious gifts as a melodist, and he plays it as chamber music writ large. Schwabe’s fine cello, gentle and mellow, works very well in this smaller-scale approach. The pieces with piano are also perfectly judged. This is stylish music-making by two fine musicians wonderfully in sync with each other.