Search - Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Franz Joseph Haydn, Frederic Chopin :: The Art of the Cello

Vienna Philharmonic master cellist

Daniel Lelchuk | NH, USA | 03/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This excellently recorded disc gives the listener an excellent opportunity to hear a first-rate cellist, Franz Bartolomey. Mr. Bartolomey has been a solo cellist of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra since 1973. He possesses a unique sound, one that is rich, mellow, dense, and complex. Many string players have one of these qualities in their sound, but his sound includes all of them, making for a very memorable string tone.

Save the glorious Chopin sonata, the repertoire is a bit odd considering the title is "Art of the Cello." That being said, the Hummel is a wonderful work, lyrical, full-blooded and totally underrated. His rendition of the Chopin, along with excellent pianist Madako Inui, is one of the finest on record, period. No one has ever captured the second theme of the last movement, for example, with such captivating sweep and restrained passion.

In the Haydn Trio for Flute, Piano, and Cello, Bartolomey and Inui are joined by flutist Monica Guca. While she is certainly an able interpreter, her contributions to this disc are somewhat minor, ands her playing not particularly stunning.

This is a worthwhile purchase for any musician or music lover. The playing and level of musical accomplishment are extremely high, and one is introduced to a work not so well known, but undeservedly so. Bravo."