Search - Samuel Barber, Benjamin Britten, David Zinman :: Barber: Cello Concerto; Britten: Symphony for Cello & Orchestra

Excellent 20th Century Works Featuring Yo Yo Ma

M. Allen Greenbaum | California | 11/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This excellent album features a concerto and a symphony, each for cello and orchestra. Samuel Barber's "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, OP.22" is exciting and dramatic; I heard elements of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Sheherazade." It's a modern piece, but not as avant-garde as Stravinsky. The lyrical melody is deepened and made more complex by changing tempos, dramatic shifts in volume, and very modern orchestration. Yo Yo Ma is, as usual, excellent. The drama of movement I is offset by the more contemplative and brooding movement IIThe Britten is equally dramatic, with sporadic bursts of force and more horns. Yo Yo Ma's cello isn't as always discernable against this fury, but when Ma is at the forefront his sound takes precedence, controlling the overall tone and sound of the entire orchestra. Like Barber, the dynamics vary greatly, and thunderous passages abruptly give way to quieter ones involving only a few instruments. Although the Adagio (track 6) begins quietly, some Sturm und Drang enters about 5 minutes into it, with rolling and thunderous drums, and ominous sounding horns. Near the close is a very moving cello solo. The last section (track 7) is lighter and thematic, with horns, soaring violins, and the cello playing counterpoint around a more identifiable motif. It's beautiful and stirring.The two compositions complement each other nicely, and I recommend the album not only for Ma's usual superb playing, but also as a way to explore two 20th century masters. Not for easy listening, but still accessible for those willing to give it a try."

Absolutely stellar from start to finish!

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 06/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This would be my nomination for the quintessential CD of 20th-century cello music, even though these are relatively unknown works by two very important composers. Yo-Yo Ma shows again why he is on a very short list of the greatest cellists of his generation.There is nothing not to like in this CD --- the soloist & orchestra, not to mention top-notch production values. These are two supreme pieces of 20th century music. They are oftentimes dark & brooding pieces, and they make one wonder why more composers have not written solo music for the instrument. It also makes one wonder why so few soloists have recorded these pieces.Even though the pieces are obscure, I would consider this as an essential part of any serious classical collection."

A great pairing, superbly performed

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 01/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These terrific 20th century cello works are unfortunately not heard as much as they should be, and are here given a fabulous performance by Yo-Yo Ma, with David Zinman and the Baltimore Orchestra sharing in the brilliance. The Barber concerto is especially appealing; it is a gorgeous, flowing piece, very accessible from the first hearing. The Andante Sostenuto has an unearthly beauty, and melodies abound throughout the piece. Samuel Barber (1910-1981) wrote the concerto in 1945, and it was premiered by Raya Garbousova with Serge Koussevitsky and the Boston Symphony in '46.



The Britten "Symphony for Cello and Orchestra" has more muscle than the Barber piece, and is a little harder to grasp, with a lot of contrasting sounds in the brass section. Britten (1913-1976) wrote it 1963, and it was inspired by Mstislav Rostropovich who gave the premiere in 1964.

The liner notes describe the two contemporaries, alike in so many ways beyond the obvious timeframe of their lives.

There are passages from Yo-Yo Ma that are breathtaking, and I can't think of a recording where I have enjoyed his playing more. An excellent addition to any 20th century classical CD collection, the sound is good and total playing time is 62'02.

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