NOSPR in Chamber Mode / Schumann & Saint-Saëns by Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Alates (2023/2023), Novosibirsk Philharmony Chamber Hall, Novosibirsk, Russia

In Robert Schumann, moments of highest inspiration would intertwine with waves of mental disorder. In 1842, he was depressed with living in the shadow of his wife, a sought-after pianist. Is the study in mourning – the 2nd movement of his phenomenal Quintet in E flat major – an expression of his depression or something more still, is reading the music through its creator’s biography leading us astray? If we followed the path, we would need to consider the wonderfully enthusiastic and gripping beginning of the masterpiece to be a symptom of mania. Let us then discard the speculations, particularly in light of the fact that the beginning of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Septet in E flat major carries a comparable charge of energy. While its artistic weight is not as immense as that of the former piece, it is no the less interesting. In it, the composer expresses his fascination with baroque polyphony, bringing back to life the splendid tradition of French court dances. The stylistic melange with romantic aesthetics will prove devilishly effective!