Customer Reviews

Brahms: Sonatas for Cello and Piano

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

 

 

The Amazon.com customer reviews of the Ma/Ax recording of the two cello sonatas for RCA were generally positive, though this eminent duo did seem to leave room for improvement. I have not heard the RCA recording but this Sony remake avoids the problems that plagues the earlier disc. Nowhere do I find Ax "dull" or either artist mechanical. Both are highly sensitive to the introspective nature of the music. There is an ingenuousness, a sense of spontaneous give and take here that makes one forget the star calibre of the players. Excellent recording balance, too. As a worthwhile bonus, the two include their transcription for cello of Brahms' D minor violin sonata. It certainly is an interesting version even if it does not replace the violin version.

Many place Brahm's Cello Sonatas as his most personal music while others feel that Brahms is best in the bigger works. The two sonatas of cello and piano - E minor, Op. 38, F major, Op. 99, and and for violin and piano D minor, Op. 108 - cover the course of Brahms' musical career and the variations in his approach to melody, but all three of the works are some of the more introspective, radiantly beautiful works from his chamber pieces.

Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax have performed together and have been close musical comrades for many years so it comes as no surprise that their collaboration is as glued as any other duo work. They seem to sense each other's presence in a most respectful and admiring way. The result is Brahms played with not only technical finesse but with the love that comes from such superb collaboration. Ma's lush cello tone is matched by Ax's subtle phrasing. This is a recital to cherish. Grady Harp, June 06

This is a beautiful piece of music, and there's no question that the performers are technically adept. However, compare this recording to the one by Rostropovich & Serkin and it's clear that Ma and Ax don't feel the piece in the same way. I found it precise, but lacking the richness and delicacy of the other recording. That being said, I imagine that on its own it probably stands as a nice recording.

You may be wondering about the transcription of the d-minor violin sonata. According to the liner notes (by Ax), it is basically all the same notes but an octave lower on the cello, with the exception of "several changes of register throughout" and some changes to the violin part right before the recapitulation in the 1st movement. Personally, I find it just as satisfying to listen to as the original, but since I don't play the violin or cello, I'm not too picky. I'm sure Brahms would have a stronger opinion.

You probably don't need me to tell you how good the playing is, since the other reviews cover it pretty well.

With an "all-star" duo for these Brahms Sonatas one would expect more than what was given in these performances. Not only are the performances without life, there is very poor recording balance between the two instruments with the piano vastly overshadowing the cello. Ma, although a fine technician,is especially lifeless and unexpressive in these performances as he has been in other recordings. I would rate the Starker/Sebok Mercury recordings as being my favorites for many decades. Originally I had the Starker/Sebok performances on LP and later acquired the CD version also on Mercury which is coupled with the Mendelssohn Cello Sonatas. Amazon.com states that this CD has been discontinued by Mercury but it may be available through another retailer. It's worth the hunt to find it. If it is not to be found, then I would choose the Rostropovich/Serkin performances on DG as an excellent choice.

I am happy with the performances on this CD. The two cello sonatas are very enjoyable, and I think that they are well-played. The "cello" sonata in D minor is an intersting bonus. The sound quality (recorded 1991) is good. Highly recommended!


Cello Sonata in E Minor
1st Mov. - 11:21
2nd Mov. - 5:50
3rd Mov. - 6:25

Cello Sonata in F Major
1st Mov. - 9:21
2nd Mov. - 8:15
3rd Mov. - 7:06
4th Mov. - 4:37

Violin (Cello) Sonata in D Minor
1st Mov. - 8:29
2nd Mov. - 4:57
3rd Mov. - 3:07
4th Mov. - 5:41

Get the RCA recording instead. It is more authentic, as the E-minor sonata in the RCA includes the first movement exposition repeat and this Sony release does not. I imagine it was cut here to make room for the gimmicky and idiotic transcription of the D-minor violin sonata. Get that piece on violin, where it was meant to be played, and get the much better RCA version of these performers doing the cello sonatas, as you'll get the E-minor sonata as Brahms wrote it, not the abbreviated-by-four-minutes version you get here.

I have both the RCA and this Sony recording of the cello sonatas by Brahms. Not easy for me to decide. Both are very good. I took some time comparing the performance and sound of each sonata (as well as each movement). They come VERY close. Sorta like the 2000 presedential election recount in Florida (which is why I call it "The Recount State" : ) [I'm not going to say what political party I support]). Anyway, I've read one review that says the RCA is better. Well, after carefully comparing the two CDs, my preference is the Sony. Not because of the 20-bit digital recording, but the performance is slightly better. As for the price, if you want to save money, I think you could get the RCA recording. It's up to you.