Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Susan Tomes :: Mendelssohn: Complete Music for Cello

Listening to Mendelssohn's piano & cello works: priceless.

marcel195 | Victoria Australia | 04/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joao Gilberto once sang: "he who doesn't like the samba is either sick in the head or lame in the foot." Similarly, he who doesn't like Felix Mendelssohn is cold in the heart and lacking in soul. Or, perhaps, they haven't heard his music played correctly. There is some strange rumour going around - I think it was started by Wagner - that in order to play Mendelssohn's music, all you need is a light touch and rapid finger work. Susan Tomes and Richard Lester successfully prove how unjust a statement this is. The poetry of Mendelssohn's writing springs forth from their instruments with an unmatched beauty. They are well aware of Mendelssohn's precision, his deep regard for the classical masters; and his ideas are never lost to tastelss rubato or false expression. Susan Tomes always surprises me with her playing. For some reason I just never expect her to be as good as she is. A true musician and virtuoso! And, Richard Lester...well, never before have I heard such a pure, warm tone. His playing is magnificant. In the same way that Mendelssohn's compositions always seem to place a kind hand on your shoulder, Richard Lester's playing fills the spirit with happiness and calm. His interpretation of the "Lied Ohne Worte" is no interpretation at all - it was recorded straight from Mendelssohn's brain I'm sure! And, his cello is over 250 years old!These five pieces are some of the greatest compositions in existence. I feel as though I've struck gold each time I put the C.D. in the player. But, no matter how precious that metal may be to some, it could never compare with the emotions one receives from Mendelssohn through his compositions (when played by great musicians). Who can put a price on such an experience (which, if the designers of C.D.s are correct, will last forever)?Short note on technical quality: brilliant, well balanced, sounds good on a variety of speakers."