The Seckerson Tapes: Schumann Quartet

Three German-Japanese brothers and an Estonian violist present their second release

The brothers Erik, Ken, and Mark Schumann founded the Schumann Quartet in 2007 and it might well have been an all-family affair had the cellist’s twin sister chosen to switch from violin to viola and join them. The Schumann brothers are of German-Japanese heritage – an interesting mix of temperaments – and perhaps because of their sister they were drawn to a female becoming the fourth among equals. The Estonian violist Liisa Randalu did so in 2012 and in this audio podcast she is spokesperson for the group – only fitting since she is at the centre of the sound – and talks about the quartet’s journey so far.

It’s been a wild ride to date with the quartet turning heads and attracting notice wherever they perform. Their reviews have reflected the excitement they generate and with their second CD release (an ARS Production) challenging expectations and bringing together Mozart, Verdi and Charles Ives, the plot certainly thickens. Schumann is a name to live up to and how could the quartet bearing such an extraordinary composer’s name not want to push the envelope?

This text will be replaced

 

If you would prefer to download and listen offline, please download

Add comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
How could the quartet bearing such an extraordinary composer’s name not want to push the envelope?

rating

0

share this article

more classical music

Accordion virtuoso’s brilliant arrangements showcase the possibilities of the instrument
Ancient Scottish musical traditions explored through the lens of today, and a short teaser for some of opera's greatest moments
Szymanowski’s fantasy more vague than Berlioz’s, but both light up the hall
Another breath of fresh air in the chamber orchestra’s approach to the classics
Julia Perry well worth her place alongside Stravinsky and Bartók
German art songs, French piano concertos and entertaining contemporary music
Panache but little inner serenity in a risky three-part marathon
The Jordanian pianist presents a magic carpet of dizzyingly contrasting styles
Early music group passes a milestone still at the top of its game
Craftsmanship and appeal in this 'Concerto for Orchestra' - and game-playing with genre
Fresh takes on Janáček's 'Jenůfa' and Bizet's 'Carmen' are on the menu
Swiss contemporary music, plus two cello albums and a versatile clarinettist remembered