Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Benjamin Britten, Zoltan Kodaly :: Alban Gerhardt plays Bach, Britten, Kodály

Continuing to Discover the Artistry of Alban Gerhardt

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 11/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Once stung, forever addicted' is a phrase that is apropos for those who have had the pleasure of hearing young Berlin cellist Alban Gerhardt perform in person. This young lion has it all - intelligence, musicality, technique, and communication. Not only does he perform concerti with the major orchestras in Europe and now in the US, he also is a devotee of chamber music and now here is a recital recording of works for cello alone. It is special.



The programming is exceptional, not only because some of the works Gerhardt elects to play are relatively unknown, but also because he places these lesser known works in context with Bach's exemplary model and the result is one of enrichment for every listener.



Opening with the Suite No. 1 for solo cello by Benjamin Britten, Gerhardt takes the chance to place this difficult but haunting work ahead of the works more accessible. His understanding of the complex lines of development of the Britten bear evidence of his musical intelligence.



Then comes the beautiful 'Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor by Bach - soulfully conceived and executed with clarity of line and technique. Following the beauty of Bach, Gerhardt performs the 'Sonata for solo cello' by Zoltán Kodály, a composer who is best known for his vivid orchestration and yet here displays all of those qualities of rhythmic excitement and colorful harmony in a solo instrument. The effect is dazzling. This is a modestly priced CD and that helps to encourage the cautious to become introduced to the brilliance of Alban Gerhardt's gifts. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 05"