Lise de la Salle began her recording career at the age of 14. Now 26, the much-praised, highly technically accomplished French pianist has taken her time getting around to Schumann, a composer who fascinated her as early as the age of six. De la Salle's starting point was the turbulently romantic passion and tenderness of the Fantasy, Op 17. She has always been attracted by what she calls "the manic side" of Schumann, and this is evident in her fearless approach to the wild leaps of the second movement. The bravura of the Abegg Variations is right up her street as well. De la Salle's enthusiasm is less effective in what Schumann called the "reflections of an adult for adults" of his Scenes from Childhood. De la Salle is due to play at the New Ross Piano Festival in September. url.ie/8fjv