French Songs Transcribed for Cello; Result is Magical
Keith M. Kendig | Chagrin Falls, OH USA | 08/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Occasionally a CD appears that is pure magic. This is one of them. Mischa Maisky and Daria Hovora form an ideal team: each performs on an exquisite instrument, and the recording engineer has captured everything, balance and all. In my opinion, transcribing French songs from voice to cello is a "natural"--the cello, so much like the human voice, captures the intimacy and atmosphere beautifully.Both performers are natural story tellers, and Maisky, with an almost uniquely seductive vibrato, unhurriedly describes the French romantic soul. If a phrase is to be caressed, he caresses it. It if needs to soar, he gives it exactly what it needs. And the pianissimos! His tone sometimes just seems to come out of nowhere, and the endings often promise never to end.Being a cellist myself, I have to say that this masterpiece both inspires and teaches. It has been said that great art leaves one changed. This CD does that, and it deserves a place in every classical music collection."