SCHUMANN The Faces and the Masks

Narrator Nicol Zanzarella's clear voice delivers this meticulous biography of a turbulently emotional genius who had several identities--German composer Robert Schumann. Zanazarella's vocal style creates intrigue that demands the listeners engagement with the tormented composer, as well as his wife, Clara, whose family strongly opposed their marriage. Scholarship and skilled criticism are evident in Chernaik's in-depth narrative and his examination of every piece of Schumann's published music. The work bogs down a bit with lengthy quotes from Schumann's letters, but one's interest revives as each letter concludes. This audiobook is certain to be of interest to music scholars. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2019]