Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana Op. 16
Johannes Brahms:
- Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 2
- Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 5
- Six Piano Pieces, Op. 118

In the fall of 2019 it was announced that MDG was joining forces with Denon to re-establish worldwide availability of this Japanese audiophile label, under the new banner of the Denon/MDG-Edition, for both reissues and new productions. This collaboration started with a bang in January 2020 with the re-release of this staggering recording of two of the best Bruckner symphonies. This present reissue featuring pianist Hélène Grimaud playing the music of Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms is no less impressive.

It brings together two separate recordings she had made for the Denon label just as she was starting her career as a concert pianist. The first disc featuring the Kreisleriana and the Piano Sonata No. 2 dates from 1988, when Hélène Grimaud would have been around 19 years old. And the second disc was recorded three years later. During her seven years with Denon, she recorded a total of five CDs, including music by Rachmaninov and Chopin. These early recordings demonstrate a highly individual artistic temperament who could, even at such a young age, see beyond the notes printed on the page, and fully grasp the composer's intent. The slow movement of the Brahms Sonata No. 3 in particular, is remarkable in its depth of expression, and she also as much to bring to the Op. 118. Grimaud then and now can stir up emotions with an agitated sense of urgency and energy within the faster movements, and a heartfelt touch of sorrow and melancholy to the slow passages. She is known for having her own ideas on phrasing, and that was evident right from the beginning.

Hélène Grimaud still continues to impress after more than 30 years into her recording career. If you passed on these recordings back then because she was still relatively unknown, or simply because you didn't have access to the Denon label, now is your chance, thanks to the effort of the people at MDG, to discover the launch to a successful musical career in the making. I'm sure you will notice that Grimaud's passion for, and commitment to music, haven't changed one bit.