Search - Beethoven, Brahms, Piatigorsky :: Cello Sonatas 1-5 / Cello Sonata 1

Two splendid discs, three fascinating partnerships. In the Beethoven, the great Russian romanticist is clearly influenced by the great English classicist Solomon. Their playing is austere, simple, elegantly phrased, expansive, with wonderfully sustained slow movements, great rhythmic poise, and flexibility and contrast of mood, character, and expression. They bring out the wit, charm, graciousness, youthful exuberance as well as the pleading, questioning urgency of Op. 5, the sublimity and drama of Op. 69, and the inwardness, tragedy and grandeur of Op. 102. In the Brahms, Piatigorsky and Rubinstein are soul mates in style, rhythmic freedom, and spontaneous expressiveness, from austere introspection, pensive wistfulness, and serene resignation to ardor, passion, and unbridled impetuosity. With Ivor Newton, three Weber pieces, transcribed by Piatigorsky from the violin sonatas, are charming and brilliantly effective. Despite the recording's age, the sound is excellent throughout. --Edith Eisler