Product Description

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: BEETHOVEN,L.V.
Title: MUSIC FOR CELLO & PIANO
Street Release Date: 10/11/1994
Domestic
Genre: CLASSICAL COMPOSERS

Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Sonata for cello & piano No. 1 in F major, Op. 5/1: Adagio sostenuto - Allegro
2. Sonata for cello & piano No. 1 in F major, Op. 5/1: Rondo, Allegro vivace
3. Sonata for cello & piano No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5/2: Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo
4. Sonata for cello & piano No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5/2: Rondo, Allegro
5. Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69: Allegro ma non tanto
6. Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69: Scherzo, Allegro molto
7. Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69: Adagio cantabile - Allegro vivace

Disc 2:

1. Sonata for cello & piano No. 4 in C major, Op. 102/1: Andante - Allegro vivace
2. Sonata for cello & piano No. 4 in C major, Op. 102/1: Adagio - Allegro vivace
3. Sonata for cello & piano No. 5 in D major, Op. 102/2: Allegro con brio
4. Sonata for cello & piano No. 5 in D major, Op. 102/2: Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
5. Sonata for cello & piano No. 5 in D major, Op. 102/2: Allego - Allegro fugato
6. Variations for cello & piano in F major on Mozart's 'Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen,' Op. 66
7. Variations for cello & piano in E flat major on Mozart's 'Bei Männern,' WoO 46
8. Variations for cello & piano in G major on Handel's 'See, the Conqu'ring Hero comes,' WoO 45

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8369 in Music
• Brand: BEETHOVEN,L.V.
• Released on: 1994-10-11
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

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

Lesser known Beethoven masterpieces, brilliantly played
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.

where is the surprise?
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.

Rostropovich and Richter; need we say more?
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.