Search - Samuel Barber, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Scottish Chamber Orchestra :: Barber: Cello Concerto; Cello Sonata; Adagio for Strings

Get it for the cello works, not for the Adagio

Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 01/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD brings together Barber's two main works for cello, his Concerto and his Sonata, along with a recording of the Adagio for Strings. Ralph Kirshbaum is a thoughtful advocate and intensely lyrical performer for both cello works.Kirshbaum's performance of these two works was my first introduction to both pieces. Since then, the cello concerto has become one of those pieces for which I have sought many recordings. I now own recordings by Yo-Yo Ma, Steven Isserlis, Raya Garbousova, Wendy Warner and Raphael Wallfisch in addition to Kirshbaum's.I still reach for Kirshbaum's recording despite the wealth of recordings I have. He plays the concerto from a darker perspective. No one else quite captures the majesty and ardour he brings to the introduction of the 2nd theme in the third movement, and his performance of the second movement is full of poetry. I am aware that he opts for some technical simplifications in the concerto (particularly a run at the end of the first movement that he takes as single notes when they are usually played as double stops) and I find that a little disappointing, but there is a warmth and lyricism about his playing that I find totally captivating. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Jukka-Pekka Saraste gives him admirable support. In particular, the contribution of the brass section in the third movement gives their performance a nobility not found in any other recording of the Cello Concerto.The cello sonata is played with conviction. This, too, is a beautifully lyrical piece that deserves to have a more prominent place in the cello repertoire. Kirshbaum is skilfully accompanied by Roger Vignoles.The perfunctory performance of the Adagio for Strings is a disappointment. The orchestra plays skillfully, but the tempo is too fast. I came away with the feeling that the tempo was set in order to make sure that it would fit into the allotted time left for this recording.The stereo sound is rich, full and well-balanced.Although the disappointment of the Adagio performance prompted me initially to give this disc a 4-star rating, I decided that if the recording had only included the cello works I would have rated it with 5-stars. I didn't see why I should reduce its score because of the added Adagio. Thus I gave it a 5-star rating."

One of the Best Instrumental Recordings In Existence

Tenor Dan | Kyushu, JAPAN | 09/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this recording in about 1995 on cassette, and have been listening to it ever since. Although I am a singer, this recording initiated the move to seriously listen to instrumental music for its own sake. This releases'audio quality, moods, and passion are unmatched. I never tire of it. The more I listen, the more motives and nuances I hear. Once your ear begins to understand Barber's direction in tonality and themes, you will be swept away with the emotional power of this performance. Kirshbaum(cello) as well as the conductor approach this work with a perfect balance of maturity and youth."