FRANCK:
Sonata in A Major. SCHUMANN: Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70.
BRAHMS: Sonata in D, Op. 78
Pieter Wispelwey, cello; Paolo Giacometti, pianist
CHANNEL CLASSICS CCS SA 18602 TT: 62:07
(5 channel)
Here's a collection of performances by cello and piano of works originally
written for other instruments with piano. Both the Brahms and Franck
were written for violin; Schumann's Adagio and Allegro for
horn and piano although the composer made this arrangement for
cello. Wispelwey's performance of the Brahms is equal to the earlier
one by Jaccqueline du Pre - and far better recorded. He is one of
today's finest younger cellists who already has many superb recordings to
his credit. This recording was made early in 2001 in Doopsgezinde
Church in the Netherlands, a very resonant site whose acoustics have been
accurately captured via five channels, producing warm cello/ piano
sound. There is much pleasure to be derived from this CD.
SCHUMANN: Piano Concerto
in A Minor, Op. 54. DVORAK: Piano Concerto in G Minor,
Op. 33.
Paolo Giacometti, pianist; Arnhem Philharmonic Orch/Michel Tilkin, cond.
CHANNEL CLASSICS CCS SA 17802 TT: 70:44
(5 channel)
Young pianist Giacometti offers a rather subdued account of the Schumann concerto;
his performance doesn't approach the best of the many recordings of this work,
including rather recent ones by Martha Argerich and Murray Perahia - as well
as older versions by Lipatti, Gieseking and Serkin. The choice of coupling
the Schumann with Dvorak's concerto is welcome but this rather little-known work
needs more fire and drama than heard here - Richter did it right in 1976. Channel
Classics recordings all seem to be highly resonant, quite beautiful to
hear but lacking impact a with blurred detail. In all probability Giacometti's
playing is better articulated than it sounds in this sonic wash. |
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