Divine Art Records

Artist: Burkard Schliessmann

  • Robert Schumann: Fantasies – Vinyl Edition

    Robert Schumann: Fantasies – Vinyl Edition

    Burkard Schliessmann interview in Pianist Magazine.

    Listen to Burkard Schliessmann’s interview on WQED “Voice of the Arts”

    Divine Art proudly presents the first vinyl edition of Fantasies, Burkard Schliessmann’s wonderful interpretation of the solo piano works of Robert Schumann. Now issued as a gold triple-LP, this deluxe package follows the album’s acclaimed release on SACD and Dolby Atmos digital, which drew widespread praise for both its sonic fidelity and interpretative depth.

    Recorded at Berlin’s renowned Teldex Studios with producer Julian Schwenkner and engineer Jupp Wegner, the album uses a 14-microphone setup to capture the full breadth of Schliessmann’s artistry – revealing the intricate emotional architecture and expression of Schumann’s writing.

    Schliessmann draws out the music’s structural sophistication, making bold connections to Wagner’s Tristan, while interpreting with spacious, poetic lyricism. The result is a revelatory journey through Schumann’s psyche – one that Schumann Journal described as “completely new, surprising and unexpected… a MUST!” (Irmgard Knechtges-Obrecht), while the American Record Guide hailed the album’s “perfect” sound as “one of the most beautiful-sounding recordings I’ve heard recently” (Rob Haskins).

    Pressed on triple heavyweight gold vinyl, this edition delivers analogue warmth and detail that will reward the most discerning listener. A vital collector’s release, Fantasies continues Burkard Schliessmann’s legacy of uncompromising interpretations and outstanding recorded sound.

  • Robert Schumann: Fantasies (Burkard Schliessmann)

    Robert Schumann: Fantasies (Burkard Schliessmann)

    Divine Art proudly introduces Burkard Schliessmann’s distinctive interpretation of Robert Schumann’s inner world through the groundbreaking recording project, “Fantasies.” At Berlin’s Teldex Studios, Schliessmann, having immersed himself in Schumann’s oeuvre, sought to reveal the inner qualities of the music, pushing expressive and explosive boundaries. Collaborating with producer Julian Schwenkner and engineer Jupp Wegner, he employed 14 microphones for a Dolby Atmos experience, capturing the intricacies of Schumann’s compositions on 3 SACDs, including an alternative interpretation of Fantasiestücke Op. 12.

    Revisiting the Fantasie in C Op. 17, Schliessmann accentuates structural complexities, drawing parallels to Wagner’s Tristan, and presents rhythmic and technical extremes in the second movement. The ‘Fantasies’ recording unfolds a slower tempo in the third movement, providing a genuine listening experience with heightened poetry and explosive electricity. As Burkard Schliessmann navigates Schumann’s intricate musical world in “Fantasies,” this release stands as a landmark in classical piano recordings, complementing his previous album, “Live & Encores.” A must-have for true collectors of excellent piano recordings, “Fantasies” continues Schliessmann’s legacy of delivering extraordinary interpretations that resonate with the discerning classical music enthusiast.

  • Burkard Schliessmann: Live & Encores

    Burkard Schliessmann: Live & Encores

    As well as exceptional performances, this recording offers phenomenal sound. The recording was made on 3-5 April 2023 at the Fazioli Concert Hall in Sacile, Italy in 5-channel Dolby Atmos high-definition audio and is being produced as a hybrid multichannel SACD presented as a beautiful 2 CD boxed set and 60 page booklet.**

    The instrument used is a Fazioli F278 which Schliessmann has purchased. The recording was made ‘live’ in front of a specially invited audience and thanks to the amazing support of the Fazioli family will also be presented in concert in Venice in the near future.

    German pianist Burkard Schliessmann has been receiving glowing accolades everywhere for his concert performances and recordings, for his virtuosity and also for his individual and highly-considered interpretation of the great music from the late Baroque and Romantic eras particularly.

    Following five previous albums all of which have been exceptionally well received, ‘Live and Encores’ offers the opportunity to present different interpretations in single take recordings of a wide range of repertoire. The double Album displays a variety of stylistic elements from Bach to Mendelssohn (whose early Romantic work was highly influenced by Bach) through the High Romanticism of Schumann to Chopin, whose single waltz here represents the pinnacle of Romantic pianism.

  • J S Bach: “Goldberg” Variations, BWV 988 (Burkard Schliessmann)

    J S Bach: “Goldberg” Variations, BWV 988 (Burkard Schliessmann)

    Burkard Schliessmann is a unique interpreter, never afraid to find a new expression and always searching for the heart of the music and the composer’s inspiration, whether in the Romantic world or that of J.S.Bach. Among other awards, Schliessmann won three silver medals at the Global Music Awards 2017 for his Divine Art Chopin album, and has been awarded the Goethe-Plakette by the city of Frankfurt.

    This recording of the Goldberg Variations was originally released in 2007 (Bayer – SACD only, not digital) and was highly acclaimed: “ambitious and really spectacular” (AllMusic); “thoughtfully simple, always finely worked out” (FonoForum); Critics Choice 2008 (American Record Guide); Recording of the Year (MusicWeb International). Newly remastered in 5.0 Dolby Atmos audio, this brilliant recording is now offered as a hybrid 5-channel SACD/CD and in finest digital audio quality.

     

     

    Please note: the digital albums offered here are two-channel HD stereo. To obtain the 5-channel digital album visit a Dolby Atmos supplier (Apple/Amazon)

     

  • At the Heart of the Piano

    At the Heart of the Piano

    A special 3-CD / triple digital album of great Romantic works by one of the world’s most accomplished pianists specialising in works of that era. These stunning performances of Busoni’s Chaconne (after J S Bach) and Berg’s Sonata are receiving their first release; the other tracks were previously issued (on CD only, not digitally ) by Bayer and have been newly remastered.

    Schliessmann is a unique interpreter, never afraid to find a new expression and always searching for the heart of the music and the composer’s inspiration.

    On their initial release these recordings attracted great accolades: American Record Guide said : “The best pianist I know at entering the world and expressing the awareness of the German romantics. There is something personal and unique about Schliessmann’s Schumann. It does not sound like anyone else’s. He is better than any other pianist I have heard.”

    High Performance Review said of his Scriabin: “This is the most imaginative playing one has heard yet – on the level of Richter, Michelangeli, Wild, Gould – the highest order of artistry.”

  • Chopin – Piano Works (audiophile 2-LP set)

    Chopin – Piano Works (audiophile 2-LP set)

    Divine Art’s first vinyl release is a selection of tracks from the Burkard Schliessmann triple SACD ‘Chronological Chopin’ which won a silver medal at the Global Music Awards 2017 as well as glowing reviews from music critics the world over.

    An audiophile two-disc set recorded and mastered at 24-bit quality, this is a very rare opportunity to obtain new recordings of Chopin’s masterpieces in the best sound and by a compelling interpreter.

    German pianist Burkard Schliessmann is a performer with a passion and vision – to seek out and interpret the forms, colours and textures, indeed the soul and expression: the poetic impact, of works we believe have already been fully explored. His previous recordings have received worldwide acclaim – “Schliessmann is too good a pianist for anyone to pass on this” – American Record Guide; “without equal” – Fanfare. Chopin is above all his composer of choice to whom he has devoted endless hours of study and appreciation.

    Pressed in 180-gram blue vinyl by Pallas of Berlin in luxury gatefold sleeve – pressing will be limited to make this a true collector’s edition.

  • Burkard Schliessmann – Chronological Chopin

    Burkard Schliessmann – Chronological Chopin

    For this album, Schliessmann received a Silver Medal in the 2017 Global Music Awards

    A potential (definite!) Collector’s item for the future, is this wonderful recital by leading German pianist Burkard Schliessmann, who presents Chopin’s musical development through a chronological programme including the 24 Preludes, Op. 28, the complete Scherzi and Ballades and other works, in stunning high-definition audio. This triple SACD set is in 5-channel audio, but is fully compatible with all normal CD players. In two channel sound in digital download.

    Schliessmann is the perfect interpreter of Chopin, bringing out the inner character of the pieces. A landmark recording.

     

  • Bach: Keyboard Works

    Bach: Keyboard Works

    This album was awarded a silver medal in the Global Music Awards 2018 for ‘Outstanding Achievement’.

    It is always good to welcome to our company a musician of the stature of Burkard Schliessmann, and also to present our first multichannel SACD in luxury packaging.

    This album demonstrates once again the sheer genius of Bach but also the individual and highly considered interpretative style of the performer. Schliessmann is not a purist demanding rigid tempi and ‘traditional’ baroque styling but recognises the inner soul of the music and brings it to life in a new way – thus this recording will be welcomed as a new approach even to those who know the works very well.

    Also a special inclusion on the disc is BWV 906, which Bach left as a Fantasia and an unfinished Fugue. The Fugue was completed by Busoni who also inserted the Adagio, BWV 968, which was arranged for piano either by one of Bach’s sons or by the publisher Altnickol. It makes for a highly rewarding complete work.