BRAHMS Cello Soatas Nos 1 - 3
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Johannes Brahms
Genre:
Chamber
Label: Mirare
Magazine Review Date: 03/2016
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 76
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: MIR270
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Sonata for Cello and Piano |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Alexander Kniazev, Cello Andrei Korobeinikov, Piano Johannes Brahms, Composer |
Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1 |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Alexander Kniazev, Cello Andrei Korobeinikov, Piano Johannes Brahms, Composer |
Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Alexander Kniazev, Cello Andrei Korobeinikov, Piano Johannes Brahms, Composer |
Author: Charlotte Gardner
Kniazev combines a weighty attack with tremendous passion. His dynamic range is also exactly that, giving us the full scale from true pianissimos to fortissimos. However, once we get down to the business of tone and interpretation, these are not the most beautiful-sounding readings; the scratch of bow hairs on the strings is audible, as are the vibrations of the instrument, along with occasional but noticeable exhalations. While interesting – the choppily turbulent recapitulation of the E minor Sonata’s first movement did have me listening afresh, for instance – these are overwhelmingly stormy interpretations, in which after a while you notice a uniformity. By the time the Second Sonata began, it had become slightly wearing on the ear. If this heavy turbulence could work well within the Second Sonata’s more orchestral textures, those stormy opening cello calls could do with both a bit more light and shade, and room to breathe.
Aware that I’m now sounding thoroughly Scrooge-like, I should say that Kniazev delivers some beautifully strong, full-toned and melodious long lines in the F major’s second movement, and his realisation of the Op 108 Violin Sonata is often surprisingly sweet and light of touch, particularly in the Adagio. The sense of partnership between him and pianist Andrei Korobeinikov, whose own playing is full of different colours, is also absolutely solid. Overall, though, these performances are a bit too heavy-handed to elicit a resounding affirmative from me.
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