Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano

Maurice Gendron (Performer), Mstislav Rostropovich (Performer), Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Jean Françaix (Performer), Sviatoslav Richter (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Maurice Gendron, Mstislav Rostropovich, Jean Françaix, Sviatoslav Richter
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (October 11, 1994)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B0000041A9
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,362 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #17 in	Music > Classical > Instruments > Strings > Cello
  #44 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( B ) > Beethoven, Ludwig van
  #54 in	Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Classical (c.1770-1830) > Composers

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Beethoven was the first great composer of cello sonatas, and he remained really the only one until Brahms wrote two at the end of the last century, and then in our own time Martinu wrote three. Aside from a few individual works by other composers (Grieg, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich, Barber, and Britten), that about sums up the entire repertoire for this particular combination. It's a difficult medium, because the low notes of the cello tend to get covered by the bass of the piano, and balance between the two instruments is always precarious. Of course, when you have artists of the caliber of Rostropovich and Richter, there's nothing to worry about. This classic set has been the reference edition since the day it was issued, and it's now available at a budget price. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lesser known Beethoven masterpieces, brilliantly played, May 29, 2000

By	Mike Powers "mkp51" (Boothbay, ME United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This outstanding compilation contains some of Ludwig van Beethoven's lesser known chamber music masterpieces. In his lifetime, Beethoven composed 5 cello sonatas and three sets of variations for cello and piano. Pianist Sviatoslav Richter and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, two of the great Russian masters of their instruments in the 20th century, give brilliant performances of the cello sonatas. Richter's and Rostropovich's enjoyment of the music and each other is readily evident. They make a superb team throughout, catching every mood and nuance of each sonata.

Beethoven based two of the variation sets on Mozart's "Magic Flute," and the third set on Georg Fridrich Handel's "Judas Maccabeus." Jean Francaix (pianist) and Maurice Gendron (cellist) are equally brilliant in their performances of these cello and piano variations. As always with Philips Duo releases, sound quality is absolutely first class. Lovers of Beethoven's music (especially his chamber works) will find this 2-CD set an essential addition to their collection.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars where is the surprise?, February 16, 2000

By	Gorky "freemark10" - See all my reviews

There is nothing much to add on positive comments of other reviewers on the marvelous interpretation by Richter and Rostropovich, the gorgeous sound of cello, emotional and perfectly balanced by the piano in the sonates. This record has been awarded three time as the year record in France, Germany and Japan? But what to say on the variations especially the one adapted from Mozart's Zauberflote on the theme of Papageno? Listen the 7 variations (track 7 on the record-2) a melody so beautiful that you will never forget it! Who knows Maurice Gendron? the timbre of his cello is rich, deep, textural and the rythm perfect. This is the surprise added already to the fantastic duo of artists mentioned before. This set is a reference not only for the sonates but also a pleasure always renewed when listening. Philips has made a good choice by completing the CD with variations from Handel and Mozart. Gohead....buy it and dream about, it is wonderful.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rostropovich and Richter; need we say more?, June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This recording provides the perfect balance between the two instruments, on top of just the great performing abilities of the two musicians. I was left shaking for moments after listening to the entire recording; both of them put a remarkable amount of emotion into their playing. Do not even consider another recording; this is the best.