Prokofiev: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2; Cello Sonata

Margaret Tait (Performer), Micheal Grebanier (Performer), Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), Aurora String Quartet (Performer), Janet Goodman Guggenheim (Performer), Don Ehrlich (Performer), Mariko Smiley (Performer), Sharon Grebanier (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Margaret Tait, Micheal Grebanier, Aurora String Quartet, Janet Goodman Guggenheim, Don Ehrlich, et al.
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (May 9, 1995)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B000001451
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,590 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This is but one of several Naxos releases that show how far the label has come in audiophile terms over the past couple of years. The account of the Cello Sonata by Grebanier and Guggenheim is particularly bracing; the piece was written with the formidable talents of Mstislav Rostropovich in mind, but Grebanier, undaunted, swallows it whole. Those familiar with his work as principal cello of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra will not be surprised. The warmth and richness of his tone, especially in the lower octave, can actually be felt on this disc, which preserves equally brilliant performances of the two quartets. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great recording of under-rated pieces at astonishing value, August 2, 2003

By	David Brown (Marlton, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD is a true gem. Prokofiev's Cello Sonata is one of the finest pieces in the instrument's repitoir and a true masterpiece by the composer himself, if somewhat uncharacteristic of his chamber work. The string quartets themselves are true Prokofiev chamber work and very good to the listener. These are pieces rarely seen that deserve far more attention from both enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. For the price this CD can not be beaten.

The two string quartets presented here are vintage Prokofiev chamber works. The string quartet section of the recording is not as amazing a recording as it could be, but its still quite impressive. It begins somewhat roughly, taking a moment to adjust to if one hasn't heard the recording before. The quartet pieces aren't as tonally tame as Bach or Beethoven but are still quite beautiful and don't demand overly much of the listener. Both contemporary and rigidly classical fans can appreciate these oustanding pieces.

The Cello Sonata in C Major is worth the entire purchase in and of itself. The recording is of absolutely amazing quality, the solo cellist having an excellent idea of both the command and emotive requirement of the piece. The cello sonata is Prokofiev at his most romantic, giving way to long melodious passages written perfectly for the sonority of the instrument. Prokofiev's tell-tale irony and sarcasm are also present in the works later movements and the cello part requires an arsenal of bowing and pizzicato techniques - while still remaining one of the most beautiful, smoothly lyrical prokofiev chamber works available.

For the price, there is absolutely no reason not to buy this CD whether you are a fan of Prokofiev, the string quartet, and most certainly for any cello lover.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Bargain, December 1, 2001

By A Customer

The string quartets offer another delightful facet of versatile Prokofiev, and the cello sonata is very moving. All the playing is superb. You can't go wrong with this one.