Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Daniel Harding, Mahler Chamber Orchestra :: Haydn: Cello Concertos

Excellent debut from an exceptional new talent

Charles Richards | Los Angeles, CA | 08/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Haydn cello concertos have been extremely fortunate on record. While the piano concerti only get a few outings every now and then, and the violin, horn and organ concerti are rarities indeed, most of the great cellists of our time have interpreted Haydn's delightful works for cello and orchestra, among them Rostropovich, Dupre, and Yo Yo Ma. So, with so many admirable predecessors, is there room for another? Certainly, when a young artist with the talent of Gautier Capucon comes along.
From the lively opening of the cheerful C major concerto, conductor Daniel Harding assures us that we are in for a treat, and when Capucon enters with a rich, creamy tone we're certain that things are well in hand. Capucon delights at every bend in the road, with turns of phrase that shine new light on the music and give sheer pleasure for the ear, ending with a cadenza in the first movement that's nothing short of brilliant.
The D Major concerto is equally successful, and its final allegro, a bouncy rondo that must be one of the sunniest inspirations in the history of western music, leaves one wanting more, the highest praise.
As an extra bonus, we are treated to a second D Major concerto, formerly attributed to Haydn, and whose true authorship is unknown. Capucon and Harding approach the concerto with the same reverance and sense of fun as the two "authentic" Haydn cello concerti, and the result is, again, magical.
Capucon, still a very young man, is a talent to be reckoned with. Hopefully we will be seeing more of him; Virgin Classics seems to be banking on him, as they have released a disc of duets for cello and violin featuring Capucon and his brother, the violinist Renaud Capucon (whose own debut on Virgin last year was equally exceptional)directly on the heels of this one. In a world where interest in classical music seems to be dwindling daily, it is encouraging to know that new discoveries are constantly being made and that major labels like Virgin are willing to take a risk on untried names. Highly recommended."

A Valued Purchase

P. Hambelton | 10/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The technical quality of the performance is excellent. Some of the phrasing is innovative but consistant with Haydn's composition. The album is well worth purchasing and listening to many times."