Sunday Times, Stephen Pettitt
Sterndale Bennett and Schumann – Hiroaki Takenouchi
The English composer and Schumann became firm friends soon after the former’s arrival in Leipzig in 1836, leading Schumann to dedicate his Symphonic Etudes to him the following year. Ample excuse for Takenouchi to record this initial version alongside Bennett’s expansive Sonata, Op 13.
His playing is rich, dazzling and intelligently shaped, while Bennett’s work stands up well to the exalted company.
