Robert Schumann - Complete Works for Piano Trio (Antje Weithaas; Marie-Elisabeth Hecker; Dénes Varjon)

Information

Composer: Robert Schumann

• Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 63
• Piano Trio No. 2 in F Major, Op. 80
• Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110
• Fantasiestücke, Op. 88

Antje Weithaas, violin

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, cello

Dénes Varjon, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Deutsche Grammophon (DG)

_____________________

Violinists Antje Weithaas, cellist Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, and pianist Dénes Várjon collaborate on a Deutsche Grammophon double album capturing Robert Schumann’s complete output for piano trio. Featuring the three Piano Trios (Opp. 63, 80, and 110) alongside the poetically distilled Fantasiestücke (Op. 88), the recording traverses dramatic contrasts between fiery passion, lyrical introspection, and sudden emotional shifts. Released to mark Weithaas’s 60th birthday, the performances leverage the trio's deep chamber music synergy to illuminate the complex, dialogic voices of these works, delivering an interpretation that balances vulnerability, restless energy, and profound intimacy.

German violinist Antje Weithaas, born in 1966, studied at Berlin’s Hanns Eisler Academy of Music, where she has served as a renowned violin professor since 2004. Recognized with the OPUS Klassik 2025 "Instrumentalist of the Year" award, her career spans collaborations with major global orchestras, extensive play-conduct leadership, and long-standing roles such as artistic director of Camerata Bern and co-director of the Joseph Joachim Competition. With an acclaimed discography of thirty albums—including her award-winning Beethoven sonata cycle with Dénes Várjon and landmark recordings of Bach, Bruch, and Dvořák—Weithaas is widely celebrated for her interpretative depth and artistic integrity.

Born in Zwickau in 1987, German cellist Marie-Elisabeth Hecker gained international acclaim after making history at the 2005 Rostropovich Competition by winning both first prize and two special awards. Educated by Peter Bruns, Heinrich Schiff, and Frans Helmerson at Kronberg Academy, she has performed as a soloist with world-renowned orchestras under eminent conductors like Daniel Barenboim and Kent Nagano. Celebrated for her emotional warmth and chamber music dedication, Hecker frequently collaborates with pianist Martin Helmchen, co-directs the "Fliessen" International Chamber Music Festival, records for Alpha Classics, and serves as a professor at Dresden College of Music.

Born in Budapest in 1968, distinguished Hungarian pianist Dénes Várjon graduated from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in 1991 and gained international prominence by winning the Concours Géza Anda. Celebrated for his exceptional technique and deep musicality, Várjon has built a multifaceted career as a premier soloist and dedicated chamber musician. He performs at major global venues like Carnegie Hall, collaborating with legendary conductors such as Sir Georg Solti and eminent partners like Sir András Schiff. An active recording artist, festival director alongside his wife Izabella Simon, and respected educator, Várjon currently teaches at his alma mater and the Kronberg Academy.