Search - Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Andrew Constantine :: Brahms: Double Concerto, Op. 102; Schumann: Cello Concerto, Op. 129

Very Enjoyable Concerti by Brahms & Schumann

JohnL | Alexander, NC United States | 04/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a nice coupling! Instead of putting Brahm's Double with Beethoven's Triple Concerto, like so many others, Naxos has nicely put together Schumann's beautiful Cello Concerto with the Brahms Op.102. Of course, most know of Johannes Brahm's fondness for the pianist, composer, and wife of Robert Schumann, that is, Clara Wieck (Schumann). First, the Schumann Concerto, which Robert referred to as a "Concert piece for cello with orchestral accompaniment", which was composed in 1850. It's first public performance was not given until 1860, four years after Schumann had passed. The soloist here in this recording is Maria Kliegel. She is well-balanced, with very good sound provided by the Naxos engineers. She receives fine support from the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Andrew Constantine. A perfect balance is achieved by the soloist and the orchestra, with excellent results. The Brahms Double Concerto was written about two years after his Fourth (and final) Symphony, in the year 1887. This is a very appealing performance recorded on this release. Once again, the cello soloist is Kliegel, with the violin played by Ilya Kaler. Both are well 'in-sync', with very good intonation. The difficult double-stopped chords played together by both players in the finale are exceptional and very clearly captured in this warm, full-bodied recording. The beautiful main melody in the Andante comes off wonderfully. Then, the finale is performed unhurriedly, but with wit and charm. At this great Naxos price, both of these works on this CD are highly recommended, competitive with most full-price versions available."