Brahms: Cello Sonatas [Import]

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Antonin Dvorak (Composer), Josef [Composer] Suk (Composer), Stephen Hough (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Stephen Hough
• Composer: Johannes Brahms, Antonin Dvorak, Josef [Composer] Suk
• Audio CD (January 10, 2006)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B000BOIWU0
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,498 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Allegro Non Troppo

2. Allegretto Quasi Menuetto

3. Allegro

4. Waldesruhe Op.68 No.5

5. Rondo In G Minor Op.94

6. Ballade In D Minor Op.3 No.1

7. Serenade In A Major Op.3 No.2

8. Allegro Vivace

9. Adagio Affettuoso

10. Allegro Passionato

11. Allegro Molto

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Steven Isserlis is not only one of our best, but one of our most adventurous cellists, always searching out neglected works as well as both personal and artistic links between composers. On this recording, the Brahms Sonatas flank less-familiar pieces by two composers intimately related to each other and also connected with Brahms: Dvorák and his pupil and son-in-law, Josef Suk. In "Silent Woods," arranged from one of his own piano duets, Dvorák's gift for capturing the sounds and atmosphere of nature beautifully evokes the forest's repose and awakening. The Rondo contrasts a song-like, pensive, gracious theme with more vigorous, brilliant episodes; minor and major alternate and combine in the coda. Suk's Ballade is passionate, dramatic and rhapsodic; the Serenade is a lively, charming dance, whose light-heartedness is interrupted by a startling modulation like a passing cloud. The playing throughout is superb: technically impeccable, tonally beautiful, warm and varied, deeply expressive. With the close rapport of frequent partners, Isserlis and the splendid pianist Stephen Hough engage in wonderful conversational interplay. They give Brahms' first sonata an inward, autumnal mellowness and the second - amazingly written 20 years later - a youthful, vigorous exuberance; the sunlit Finale floats on air. One can hardly imagine a better performance. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STEPHEN AND STEVEN ARE A GREAT MUSICAL TEAM, January 23, 2006

By 

GEORGE RANNIE "GWRJWMCL" (DENVER, COLORADO United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brahms: Cello Sonatas (Audio CD)

As I have previously expressed on this board, I feel that Stephen Hough and Steven Isserlis make a stupendous duo for chamber music. Individually they are, of course, masters of their chosen instrument. When they team up, the sparks DO fly in a most marvelous way. This album of the Brahms's Cello Sonatas is no exception. These works, to me, are at the pinnacle of chamber music for cello and piano. I personally don't feel that there are any better that have been written. Brahms obviously loved the cello and the piano; these works could have only been written by someone that had a deep affection for both instruments. The aforesaid certainly comes through most clearly in this recording! Always the sensitive artist, Hough never over powers Isserlis's cello (as could so easily be done in these works). Nevertheless, he plays his part passionately as does Isserlis who spins out Brahms's melodies beautifully with none of those (what I call) "glottal" (aka rough/harsh) attacks on the strings. In other words they form a team-a sublime Chamber Musical team that, in this album, is at the very peak of its form.

I love Brahms and I especially love his chamber music. This recording of the Cello sonatas certainly satisfies, in a big way, my insatiable appetite for chamber music by Brahms! In addition to the Brahms, included in the album are works by Suk and Dvorak works which are wonderful with Stephen and Steven investing them too with their usual divine artistry. As a recent convert to the music of Suk, I particularly enjoyed the two works by that composer

Believe me, I've spent many enjoyable hours listening to this album-I just can't take it off of my CD player! Therefore, I listen to it repeatedly. If you love Brahms's chamber music, as I do, buy this CD. Your ears will thank you!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart on the sleeve, February 19, 2006

By 

Ovidiu Marinescu (West Chester, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brahms: Cello Sonatas (Audio CD)

Isserlis' playing seems even more passionate than in previous recordings, if that is possible. The tone is juicy and emotional, with a great range of colors, matching the musical content. The vibrato is so incredibly expressive; it is a lesson for other cellists. The gems are the two pieces by Suk and the Dvorak. "Silent Woods" is played very poetically, with a touch of melancholy. The partnership with Hough is ideal, perfect balance and blend. Sure, the balance is set in the studio by the engineers, but if you hear the duo live, you will see that the recording matches the perfection of balance on stage. The two Brahms sonatas are played with great respect for the architecture of the works, but with a refreshing approach to timing and phrasing. The first movement of the E Minor Sonata has a beautiful pace, telling a musical story that is captivating. Perfect tempo, unlike older recordings by Du Pre or Rostropovich that are ponderous. Drama is present throughout. This is a great recording, very inspiring, worthy of a Grammy. Hope it gets nominated.