Steven Isserlis teaches Schumann: Fantasiestücke, Op. 73
Treasures of the Masterclass Media Foundation
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Cast
Steven Isserlis — Teacher, cellist
Ani Kalayjian — Cellist (Student)
Program notes
Steven Isserlis in a masterclass dedicated to the composer who inspired him the most, Robert Schumann.
Steven Isserlis, one of the world's most outstanding cellists, is a musician known for his strong ideas and passionate convictions about music. An expert of Schumann's works, he also gets satisfaction in discovering and introducing to the repertoire works by less popular composers who he considers deserve a wider audience. Aside from giving concerts and recitals throughout the world, he is a very sought-after teacher. He is an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music of London. A passionate for musical education, he is the Artistic Director of the International Musicians' Seminar at Prussia Cove in Cornwall UK, and often gives concerts for children.
A laureate of many awards, he was given in 2000 the Robert-Schumann-Prize of the City of Zwickau, Schumann’s home city. Thus, it comes naturally that he dedicated this masterclass to a famous piece of the German master, the Fantasiestücke. This cycle of eight pieces for piano, composed in 1837, was inspired by Hoffman’s Fantasiestücke in Callots Manier, not only for the title but also for the genius of this piece. Here, Isserlis focuses on three works, originally composed for clarinet and piano and later arranged by Schumann himself for the cello and the piano.
The Masterclass Media Foundation Archives offer to students and music lovers around the world filmed masterclasses, given by the best talents, on the greatest works of the classical repertoire. Their primary purpose is to provide a valuable educational resource in order to perpetuate passion and knowledge from one generation to another.
