Customer Reviews

Julie Albers, Cello

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

 

 

The title of this very fine CD is misleading: 'Julie Albers, Cello' is only half of the joy, the other being the exceptionally fine pianist Orion Weiss. Together they offer works for cello and piano that create a terrific union of musicality and communication.

The recital is based on fairly well known works - 'Méditation' from Massenet's 'Thäis', the 'Paganini Variations' courtesy of Gregor Piatigorsky, 'Sonata for cello and piano in G minor by Rachmaninov - but also adds Variations for cello and piano based on Mozart's 'Bei Männern' by Beethoven, and 'Adagio & Allegro for horn (or violin or cello) and piano' by Schumann. The playing is elegant and graceful and lovely.

The real revelation here is the first recorded appearance of the 24-year-old American pianist Orion Weiss. Having just heard him perform Mozart's 19th Piano Concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic guest conducted by Cristoph von Dohnanyi as a last minute substitute is the reason for obtaining this CD. Young Weiss is committed artist, able to transform the Mozart into a gossamer interpretation without any of the too frequently encountered histrionics of many of the young pianists before us today. He is intelligent, intensely musical, has a technique that is far beyond his years (he studies with Emmanuel Ax), and promises to be musician's musician destined for a long and fertile career.

While Julie Albers is a fine cellist and the CD is worthy of owning as a recital, this first impression of Orion Weiss is worth the purchase alone. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, February 06

@John Machenrik - I couldn't disagree more with this assessment of Orion Weiss's playing. This is a superb recording in all aspects and Weiss is a marvelous accompanist, excelling in all respects.

I found this recording after hearing Albers play the Dvorak concerto in concert. Her playing at that performance and on this recording is passionate without being schmaltzy and technically first rate. Her sound is gorgeous. Weiss is her equal at every turn. The recording itself is excellent. I couldn't be more enthusiastic about recommending this recording or, in fact, hearing either of these fine musicians in performance.

I will be the first to admit that I am no expert on musical talent - but to paraphrase Justice Stewart: I know it when I hear it. I bought this CD after seeing Julie Albers perform Elgar's Cello Concerto, and I love every piece on it.

After seeing/hearing Miss Albers in person we bought this CD.
It is one of our favorites! Beautiful, thoughtful music! Our favorites on this recording are #s 3 & 8 - but we thoroughly enjoy every piece!

This is a CD which features both expressive and bland playing. It is obvious that cellist Julie Albers is one of the up and coming young artists of our age. With a rich, beautiful tone, mature phrasing and brilliant technical facility, she easily steals the spotlight. Though pianist Orion Weiss does play well and very cleanly, it seems that rather than taking on the role of chamber musician and equal partner in music making, he takes the role of accompanist and leaves the dirty work of making music almost entirely to his partner. All of that said, the beautiful cello playing on this CD makes it a more than worthwile purchase for any music lover.

Just typed his name into Amazon and this popped up. I wish I had the CD of the conert tonight. He is a stunning talent. Can't wait to hear this CD.