Because Robert Schumann’s Album für die Jugend is essentially a group of teaching pieces for student pianists, few pianists take the trouble to play them like real music, or, for that matter, real Schumann. There are exceptions, of course, like Michael Endres (Oehms Classics), Eric Le Sage (Alpha), and Alessandra Ammara (Arts Music). Florian Uhlig also takes these miniatures seriously, and does his best to give each one a distinct character.
His forceful accents and blurring pedal effects in Jägerliedchen (No. 7) underscore the music’s hunting subtext with an exuberant ambience, while long, arching lines bring the inner sadness of Erster Verlust (No. 16) to life. If the famous “Happy Farmer” sounds a bit overinterpreted and studied, the ardent potential hidden away in Kleine Romanze (No. 19) gently gushes forward in controlled dynamic surges. The untitled No. 26 sings out more in the manner of an experienced lieder singer than a dutiful piano student.
Note the welcome animation and subtle voicings with which Uhlig vivifies the austere trilogy occupying Nos. 37, 38, and 39. His exceptional contouring of lines and sense of timing in Thema (No. 34) also give full voice to the music’s unpredictable harmonic zingers. While the Ammara and Le Sage editions offer more robust, full-bodied sonics, Uhlig’s caring artistry operates on the same high level he has displayed in his five previous Schumann cycle volumes. A lovely disc, highly recommended.
