"Daniel Müller-Schott['s] Schumann rates right up there with the best (in my book Du Pré and Starker) while the inclusion of Robert Volkmann’s concerto was a stroke of genius, a wonderful work of great appeal that has only two other recordings available, for reasons unknown. Volkmann (1815–83) writes a piece that is different from Schumann in several important ways, especially the more prominent role given to the solo instrument, and his harmony is somewhat more advanced as well, probably from the influence of Liszt, who supported him, though Schumann and Mendelssohn were primary mentors. The work deserves a much wider audience.

Bruch’s Kol Nidrei has remained one of his most popular works, its pathetic and melancholy nature due to the source material, an ancient Hebrew song of repentance and the middle section of “Oh Weep for Those That Wept in Babel’s Stream.” It has never left the repertoire since it was created, and Müller-Schott performs it with a wistful sadness that will not fail to leave anyone unmoved. The Strauss tidbit here is his Romance, written when he was all of 19, and only published in 1987; yet it enjoyed many performances in the immediate years after it saw the light of day. It makes a fine and enjoyable filler that has been recorded a number of times, none better than here.

The NDR players are in top form and Eschenbach’s accompaniment is first-rate, rounding off an exceptional release of high desirability."

FANFARE: Steven E. Ritter