New CD from Thomas Zehetmair

In recent days, the latest CD from Thomas Zehetmair has been released under the ECM label. Listeners have the chance to experience Zehetmair as he assumes both the role of soloist and conductor together with the Orchestre de chambre de Paris performing Schumann works. Thomas Zehetmair’s understanding of Schumann’s music and his ability to captivate his emotional tribulations are without equal. As a result, this recording from February 2014 in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées is a genuine delight for listeners. In addition to the 1st symphony, also known as the “Spring Symphony“, which was written in only four days in January 1841, Thomas Zehetmair plays two extraordinary late works by the composer. Both the violin concerto as well as the fantasy for the violin and orchestra were composed in 1853 – two years prior to his death – and were dedicated to Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim. Whilst performing the original premiere of this fantasy in the style of a transcripted improvisational piece, he had his doubts about the suitability of the violin concerto for the stage. It took another 80 years until the work was performed on stage for the first time in Berlin in 1937. Through the painstaking study of sources as well as numerous performances by Thomas Zehetmair, it is today regarded as one of the most exceptional works for the violin. Zehetmair describes Schumann’s symphonic oeuvre as “spontaneous, powerful and subtle all at the same time”.