Search - Bamberger Symphoniker, Robert Kulck :: Joseph Joachim Raff: Cello Concertos / Begegnung / Duo for Cello and Piano, Op.59

A romantic era revelation, beautifully performed and recorde

David Arenson | 10/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is one unsung composer who deserves to be heard, it is Joachim Raff. Self-taught, prolific, a gifted orchestrator with a knack for beautiful tunes, Raff was highly respected in his day but was ultimately swept away in the current that divided the Romantic era between Brahms and Wagner. Raff was his own man and ignored being pigeonholed -- his third and fifth symphonies plant one foot in the Liszt/Wagner school, his second and fourth plant the other in the Mendelssohn/Schumann tradition. There are those who say Raff was too much a salon composer, lacking the sturm und drang that is often equated with greatness, and that he should have edited a little more and composed a little less. And there may be truth in these criticisms. But at his best, as he often was, Raff has earned a rightful place in the repertory.



This disc of the two cello concerti and two shorter pieces is beautifully played and recorded. It is part of Tudor's Raff series, in which Hans Stadlmair and the Bamberg Symphony are recording all of Raff's symphonies, as well as his cello and violin concerti, numerous overtures and so on. As a group, the Stadlmair versions have blown away the competition and make a far more compelling case for the composer than has been made before. These discs, easily available in Germany, deserve wider American distribution (hint! hint!)



The cello concerti are played with enthusiasm and technical excellence by Muller-Schott and the Bambergers. If you enjoy the Schumann and Dvorak concertos, you will like these, which showcase Raff's considerable talent for good tunes cleverly presented. They are warm, lyrical works, and Muller-Schott approaches them lovingly, with a mellow, graceful tone. Achingly beautiful in spots, playful in others, all with Raff's gift for forward momentum, this is the sort of music that brightens one's mood.



The recording is well-balanced, reflecting the deep, rich timbre of the cello while allowing orchestral details to come through. The accompanying booklet offers detailed commentary.



The two shorter pieces -- the "Begegnung" for cello and piano and Duo for Cello and Piano -- are also enjoyable. The former is a lovely piece, aptly descibed in the booklet as "well-bred salon music." The latter digs a little deeper, offering a heartfelt and reflective interplay between the instruments.



All in all, this disc is a winner, well worth exploring if you love the cello and music of the romantic era."

Muller-Schott/ Raff Cello Concerto Op. 86

Joseph C. Meigs | Brooklyn, CT USA | 03/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The performance is amazing: confident tonal control and clarity

characterize the masterful performance of Muller-Schott. The technique drives an especially expressive presentation of this

romantic piece. I have played this many times and I do not tire of it nor do I ever revise my opinion that Muller-Schott is already a major artist easily playing with the best."