Composer: Johannes Brahms, Sergei Rachmaninov, Robert Schumann
Works: Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38; Cello Sonata No. 2 in F, Op. 99; Cello Sonata (arr. from Violin Sonata No. 1 in G, Op. 78); Adagio and Allegro in A flat, Op. 70; Fantasiestücke for cello and piano, Op. 73; Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19
Performers: Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Emanuel Ax (piano), Janos Starker (cello), Rudolf Buchbinder (piano), Shigeo Neriki (piano)
Recording: RCA Red Seal, 2001
Label: RCA
The recent reissue of works for cello and piano on RCA Red Seal presents a compelling anthology of Romantic masterpieces, framed through the interpretations of eminent artists. Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax’s collaboration on Brahms’s Cello Sonatas and Starker’s interpretations of Schumann and Rachmaninov’s works offer an insightful exploration of the cello repertoire, showcasing both the emotional depth and technical prowess inherent in these compositions. This compilation not only honors the legacy of these composers but also highlights the interpretative choices of the performers, creating a rich tapestry of sound that both illuminates and captivates.
Ma’s performances of the Brahms Cello Sonatas are particularly noteworthy. His lyrical phrasing and nuanced dynamics breathe life into the E minor and F major sonatas, recorded earlier in his career yet exhibiting a freshness that speaks to the interpretative vigor of the performances. The balance between cello and piano is well-crafted, with Ax providing a robust yet sensitive accompaniment that enhances the cello’s voice without overwhelming it. For instance, in the opening Allegro of the E minor Sonata, Ma’s use of rubato allows for an expressive dialogue with Ax, where the interplay of melody and harmony reveals the work’s inherent tension. The recording captures this interaction with clarity, showcasing the subtle gradations of tone and color—elements that are often lost in less adept engineering.
Transitioning to Starker’s contributions, the Adagio and Allegro and the Fantasiestücke reveal his formidable technique and interpretative depth. Starker’s sound, characterized by its warmth and precision, is particularly effective in the Schumann works. The Adagio and Allegro, with its contrasting lyrical and energetic sections, benefits from Starker’s ability to convey the emotional landscape through nuanced shifts in articulation and dynamic shading. The engineering here excels, allowing every nuanced inflection of Starker’s playing to resonate, creating an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in. The arrangement of Brahms’s Violin Sonata, Op. 78 for cello also serves as a testament to Starker’s versatility, where his small yet powerful tone is juxtaposed against the piano’s more forceful presence, demonstrating a commendable balance in ensemble playing.
The second disc featuring Rachmaninov’s Cello Sonata is equally rewarding, with Starker accompanied by Shigeo Neriki. The four movements of this sonata unfold seamlessly, revealing the lush harmonies and intricate counterpoint characteristic of Rachmaninov’s style. The engineering captures the full spectrum of the sonority; the cello’s voice emerges with clarity, while the piano’s resonant chords fill the space, creating a rich sonorous blend. Here, the interpretative choices become vital, as Starker navigates the emotional terrain of the work with an astute understanding of its lyrical and dramatic contrasts.
The RCA reissue serves not only as a celebration of these compositions but also as a reminder of the artistic synergy between the performers. Each artist brings a unique perspective, enriching the listener’s experience through their distinctive tonal qualities and interpretative insights. The sound quality, with its crisp clarity and well-balanced instrumental textures, ensures that the listener is fully immersed in the music, experiencing the interplay of cello and piano in all its glory.
This collection of cello and piano works stands as a significant contribution to the recorded legacy of these composers and performers. With its thoughtful programming and exceptional performances, it is a rewarding experience for both the connoisseur and the casual listener. Each interpretation invites a deeper understanding of the works while showcasing the enduring power of the cello repertoire within the broader context of Romantic music.
