Customer Reviews

Brahms: Cello Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An avid cellist myself, nearly any recording of a work for cello will find a place in my library--but Ma's recording of the Brahms' Cello Sonatas in E-minor and F-minor find a special place. Brahms always sought warmth and a tonal depth in his compositions--and therefore favored the clarinet, oboe, and cello among orchestra instruments. His writings for cello express his passionate empathy for the instrument, and Ma does a masterful job of extending this to the listener. The E-minor sonata is a story in itself. The darkness and light of the first movement; the playfulness of the second; and the whirlwind frenzy of the Third--which brings afterthoughts of the minuet to the audience. I highly recommend this recording to all music lovers--you can't go wrong here!

Brahms Cello Sonatas are in my opinion two of the greatest pieces ever composed for the Cello. At first, I didn't like Mr. Ma's interpretation of the 1st Sonata. I always imagined it to be dark and heavy (and that was the way I used to play it) and he made it sound a little too "light" for my taste. But the performance of the 2nd sonata made it all worthwhile. Ma and Ax are great performers and work together well.

The two Brhams cello sonatas are passionate works, but you'd never know it by Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma, who from beginning to end are mild to the point of being tepid. Clearly this represents their joint view of these geat works, because their later remake on Sony adheres to the same line. Perhaps Ax is duller here, but he's dull enough the second time around.

What makes this CD so odd is that when they join up with Isaac Stern to play other Brahms chamber music, Ax and Ma are full of passion and life. If you want those qualities in the cello sonatas, however, you'll have to turn to Du Pre, Rostropovich, or Heinrich Schiff, all of whom stir the blood.

I believe Brahms was at his most expressive and romantic in his chamber music (few pieces can beat the second movement of his Sextet in B flat for intense emotion), and these two sonatas are prime examples.
From the subtle quiet beginning passages of the Allegro non Troppo of Sonata # 1, to the exquisite tenderness and stunning pizzicato section of the Adagio Affettuoso of Sonata # 2, and on to its vigorous Allegro Molto finale, this is ardent, potent music, despite the limiting simplicity of being for just two instruments.

Ma and Ax are simply fabulous. They capture all the different colorations and moods from gentleness to ecstasy, and there are passages of despair too...of acute longing; a love letter with musical notes instead of words. I find the performances not only technically superb, but extremely moving. Brahms must have been a fiery soul with a deep heart, and these masterful interpretations serve him well.
The foldout insert has liner notes that delve into the intellectual details of these pieces, sound for this 1985 recording is quite good, and total time is 56'53.

The cello is one of my favorite instruments (along with the piano and the harp), and I favor Brahms' soul.

This work just convinced me more of why Yo-Yo Ma is one of the present best cellists. Ax is a little dull and "technical" for Brahms, yes, but Ma still gives the music justice and a slightly different perspective.

At times, Ma's conviction and passion brought me to tears, esp Track IV: Allegro Vivace. The warmth and depth of the music and the playing make for a CD perfect to accompany a cup of tea and a book, or just meditation.

I have the Musical Heritage Society issue of this CD, which is the one in the picture. In all likelihood it is identical to the RCA issue. I was really looking forward to this album. Emanuel Ax is a great Brahms player, and Yo-Yo Ma is such a great talent. I'm afraid I was disappointed. The problem here is Ma. He bends and shapes every phrase to excess. Nothing seems natural. Throughout, his playing is mannered and not even as technically remarkable as he can be. Ax plays well in general, in so far as Ma's interpretation allows him to present himself. I can't tell if the sound engineering is in part to blame for the total impression. The piano sounds very good, but the cello sounds recessed and somewhat pinched in tone quality. This should have been a blowout of a recording. My favorite CD of these pieces remains Emil Klein and Wolfgang Manz on Arte Nova.

Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax give technically proficient readings, allowing the tortured Romanticism of Brahms to shine through in his notes without gooey nor overt over-expression. Some have written that these performances lack the fire and passion found in others; I find that to be a virtue here as the music speaks well for itself -- understated, communicative, and intellectually engaging. The recording is comfortably close and the range of tones from both instruments are sublimely rendered. Very fine!

Collaborative effort between Ax and Ma (see also; Beethoven Sonatas for Piano and Cello e.g.) show a precision and active interest often exceeds expectation. This and the Chopin represent some of the best offered by the two.

Skip it. Yo-Yo Ma is arguably the best cellist around today, but you will not know it from this recording. Perhaps it is the fault of a not very good technical recording? Perhaps Emanuel Ax is on the dull side? I personally think that Mr. Ma just did not "get it". Brahms music has an introspective quality that shines in those cello sonatas more than anywhere else perhaps. This has to be played with your soul, taking risks. Ma and Ax just are technical. If you wonder what I mean, try to find the Isserlis/Evans version. You will know.

Wonderful. Magnificent. Superb.

I am a casual classical music listener and make no claim to having any special insight -- but this is perhaps one of my most favorite recordings!

Wonderful. Magnificent. Superb.