Sol Gabetta's Elgar
Tue, Nov 6 2012, 9:28PM
I have been listening to Sol Gabetta's recording of the Elgar Cello concerto. Simply stunning. She seems to be completely "in the music" and is passionate without going over the top or engaging in gimmicks. Clearly she is a major talent. It would be interesting to have a discussion about her playing. Anand
Anand, Sol Gabetta is indeed a significant cellist of her time and, possibly, one to leave her mark in the history of the soloists of this wonderful instrument.
Her CD, which includes the Elgar's concerto, is very good indeed. Her playing is effortless and bright enough, well articulated and with enough power of expression and a refined tone. However, she is not DuPre. She does not have this sense of getting any possible nuance of the work, but she is good enough to deliver.
A surprisingly good CD of hers was the one with the two Concertos by Shostakovich. The second, in particular, is very well served, in a strong and solid performance. Very good recorded sound as well.
On the contrary, her recording of Haydn C major Concerto is almost a flop, due to a poor recording too. The producers probably realised that and, for compensation, they offer a rare concerto by Hofmann and an arrangement by Georg Szell (!) for cello and Orchestra of the Oboe Concerto in C by Mozart.
A quite interesting CD is the one with arrangements and transcriptions called Cantabile. Very interesting, almost intriguing programme, well performed and recorded.
Her first project, The Vivaldi one (in two volumes) proves the young talented cellist, in bright and formidable technique and fine sound. Besides, her Rococo Variations along with Saint-Saens' First Cello Concerto is not bad at all.
Finally, her first endeavour on DG, with the brilliant pianist Helene Grimaud in a CD called DUO, is another proof of her musicianship and the great artistry of the two soloists. The program contains Brahms' first Cello Sonata, Debussy, Schumann and Shostakovich' monumental Sonata.
Parla