TWO OLD WARHORSES GET NEW SETS OF SHOES
Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 06/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tired of the same old, same old? The thought of hearing yet another performance of either Haydn Cello Concerto got you bored to tears? Begging for forgiveness... and willing to admit to anything and everything? Well, I can't blame you. Raised as I was on so many basic repertoire staples, these concertos amongst them, by the time I thought I was "sophisticated" [e.g. snobby] enough to put them behind me--- years ago--- out pops Laserlight with this excellent and inexpensive CD, which, by the way, some loving, but unknowing, relative gave to me for a gift.
Great. Charming. Just what I need. But I was closed-minded and premature in my judgement.
Very.
Because these performances ARE charming, intimate and refreshing. Janos Rolla provides just the right amount of Haydnesque panache and humor, and soloist Miklos Perenyi, a fine musician, especially in the wonderful Adagios, adds the pathos and warmth; together, supported beautifully by the Liszt Chamber Orchestra, the CD comes together exceedingly well.
Those new to the Haydn Cello Concertos will find these performances upbeat and immediately attractive. Those of us who thought we'd rather pay income tax than listen to another cello concerto by Haydn will feel surprisingly similar.
[Running time: 54:32]"