Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Schumann - Schumann: Kreisleriana, Waldszenen, Humoreske & Fantasie - Michel Béroff

Album Details

Michel Béroff, the renowned French pianist, presents a captivating exploration of Romantic piano repertoire with his upcoming album, "Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Schumann - Schumann: Kreisleriana, Waldszenen, Humoreske & Fantasie." This two-hour collection, set for release on April 12, 2025, via Warner Classics, showcases Béroff's virtuosity and interpretive depth, offering a profound journey into the hearts of Brahms and Schumann's piano works.

The album opens with Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Schumann, Op. 23, a tribute to his mentor and friend, Robert Schumann. Brahms' intricate variations on Schumann's theme demonstrate the composer's mastery of form and harmony, while Béroff's performance brings out the music's subtle nuances and expressive depth.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Schumann's piano works, featuring Kreisleriana, Waldszenen, Humoreske, and the monumental Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17. These works span Schumann's career and reveal his unique compositional voice, characterized by its lyrical beauty, rhythmic vitality, and psychological insight. Béroff's interpretations are marked by their clarity, precision, and emotional resonance, highlighting the composer's genius and the pianist's artistry.

Throughout the album, Béroff's playing is characterized by its technical brilliance, tonal richness, and expressive range. His performances are informed by a deep understanding of the composers' styles and a keen sense of the music's historical and cultural context. The result is a compelling and engaging exploration of some of the most important and beloved works in the Romantic piano repertoire.

This album is an essential addition to any classical music lover's collection, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the works of Brahms and Schumann. With his exceptional artistry and profound musical insights, Michel Béroff brings these masterpieces to life in a way that is both thrilling and deeply moving.

April 12, 2025

A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2025 Warner Music France

Michel Béroff, born in 1950 in Épinal, France, is a renowned French pianist and conductor of Bulgarian origin, celebrated for his virtuosity and deep musical insight. His journey began at the Nancy Conservatory, where he won the 1st prize in 1962 and the prize of excellence in 1963. Béroff continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory, graduating with the 1st prize in 1966 under the tutelage of Yvonne Loriod and Pierre Sancan. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he won the First Prize at the inaugural Olivier Messiaen International Piano Competition, chaired by the composer himself, establishing Béroff as one of the foremost interpreters of Messiaen's music.

Throughout his illustrious career, Béroff has performed with some of the world's most prestigious conductors and orchestras, including Seiji Ozawa, Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, and Leonard Bernstein. His repertoire spans a wide range of composers, from contemporary masters like Messiaen and Debussy to classical giants such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. Béroff's recordings, particularly his interpretations of Messiaen's works, are highly regarded and have earned him numerous accolades.

In addition to his performing career, Béroff has dedicated himself to teaching, serving as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire for 25 years. He continues to inspire new generations of pianists through master classes around the world, including in Japan. Béroff's contributions to the world of classical music are immense, making him a true ambassador of the piano.

Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Schumann - Schumann: Kreisleriana, Waldszenen, Humoreske & Fantasie

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About Michel Béroff

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