Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven: Cello & Piano Music: Grabois & Nauman

Rachmaninov (Composer), Debussy (Composer), Beethoven (Composer), Adam Grabois (Performer), John Nauman (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Adam Grabois, John Nauman
• Composer: Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven
• Audio CD (February 15, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reflex Editions
• ASIN: B00008O0TV
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #801,127 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The repertoire on this CD, the first issue of the newly launched label, Reflex Editions, demonstrates a wide range of style, technique and timbre. The disc includes three pieces for cello and piano. The first piece, 7 Variations in Eb major on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" from Mozart's The Magic Flute, WoO 46 (1801), shows off Beethoven's art of variations which playfully makes us chase Mozart lurking underneath Beethoven. Debussy's Sonata for Cello and Piano (1915) allows the instrumentalists a full palette of subtly changing colors and textures with memorable pizzicato passages for the cello. The last piece, the Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano, op. 19 (1901) by Sergei Rachmaninov, by contrast, is a work of grand gestures with sweeping melodies and sonorous harmonies, bathed in the composer's hallmark melancholy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, May 14, 2003

By 

Richard Brunhoff (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven: Cello & Piano Music: Grabois & Nauman (Audio CD)

This is a marvelous recording by two expert musicians who play with the unabashed full-blooded approach most often associated with the (regrettably) bygone so-called "golden age" of string players and pianists during the first half of the 20th century, an age which combined lyrical simplicity, emotional pathos, and breathtaking virtuosic dash.
There is nothing apologetic about this music-making--the Beethoven, while appropriately restrained, remains songful and playful, and the performers very capably traverse a broad spectrum of moods within a surprisingly short span of time. The Debussy is delightfully mercurial. My favorite selection is definitely the lesser-known but top-drawer Rachmaninov Sonata, to which the cellist brings a sensuous operatic intensity and the pianist plays what can only be described as virtuoso piano writing with utter command and bravura (I have heard other renditions of this piece--I don't believe you'll find a faster, more exciting version of the Allegro Scherzando, or a more plaintive Andante).
Listeners not familiar with the piano and cello literature will find this recording an extremely rewarding introduction. And connoissieurs would do well to acquaint themselves with this unusually committed and fine recording, which includes some unusual and interesting liner notes as well. Hats off!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!, March 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven: Cello & Piano Music: Grabois & Nauman (Audio CD)

This is one of the best recordings I have heard in a while. It's incredibly satisfying, both for the repertoire and for Grabois' and Nauman's playing of it (especially if you like romantic music as much as I do). Expressive and passionate playing of beautiful music doesn't get better than this!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great performance, March 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven: Cello & Piano Music: Grabois & Nauman (Audio CD)

I have not heard of this cellist before, but I am guessing I'll be hearing more of him soon! This is a fantastic cd, and I recommend it highly. The cello playing kind of reminds me of Rostropovitch - very singing, with a rich sound. The recording quality is beautiful, and the repertoire is great. I hope this guy puts out another cd SOON.