Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Sviatoslav Richter, Jean Franaix :: Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano

Where is the surprise?

Gorky | 02/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is nothing much to add on positive comments of other reviewers on the marvelous interpretation by Richter and Rostropovich, the gorgeous sound of cello, emotional and perfectly balanced by the piano in the sonates. This record has been awarded three time as the year record in France, Germany and Japan? But what to say on the variations especially the one adapted from Mozart's Zauberflote on the theme of Papageno? Listen the 7 variations (track 7 on the record-2) a melody so beautiful that you will never forget it! Who knows Maurice Gendron? the timbre of his cello is rich, deep, textural and the rythm perfect. This is the surprise added already to the fantastic duo of artists mentioned before. This set is a reference not only for the sonates but also a pleasure always renewed when listening. Philips has made a good choice by completing the CD with variations from Handel and Mozart. Gohead....buy it and dream about, it is wonderful."

Rostropovich and Richter; need we say more?

Gorky | 06/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording provides the perfect balance between the two instruments, on top of just the great performing abilities of the two musicians. I was left shaking for moments after listening to the entire recording; both of them put a remarkable amount of emotion into their playing. Do not even consider another recording; this is the best."

One of the treasures of the Classical Catalogue

Gorky | 04/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I take issue with one of the reviewers below. This set of Beethoven Cello Sonatas is one of the greatest treasures of the classical catalogue.This performance is absolutely magnetic from first to last. I have seldom come across a performance that is so compelling. I never thought of Beethoven's Cello Sonatas among his "stronger" works - like his Symphonies, Piano Concertos and Piano Sonatas. But these two great artists really makes the case for Beethoven's Cello Sonatas. Such compelling performances, such ravishing cello playing, such clear and wonderfully infectious piano playing. This cycle keeps you magnetized from first to last. A strong point of this cycle is that Richter views the Cello as an EQUAL partner with the piano. So the piano here never dominates the performance unlike many other recordings. The Cello and the Piano are like two best friends having a wonderful conversation. Richter plays the piano fantastically - every note is in place and the tempi marvellously judged. There is an infectious spring in his playing - like lambs skipping about joyfully. Rostropovich on the other hand rises up to Richter's challenge and plays very sweetly, with spring when needed. Indeed, the music emanating from his Cello has a wonderful sweetness that I seldom hear. The legato is simply fabulous. Lynn Harrell on the Ashkenazy set is surely not up to this standard. The Ashkenazy/Harrell set by the way is also outstanding. But the performance is of a different "perspective" more hard-driven. Here, there is a wonderful singing line, and a poetic insight which is so captivating.Charges of "static and humorless", "banal and savorless", "bringing out neither the majesty and fervor nor the lyricism and wit of Beethoven" ? This is no pure display of technical bravura but music making on the highest plane."