Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Kristin Merscher :: Mendelssohn: Cello Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2, Variations concertantes

Sunny Sonatas

Joshua Grasso | Oxford, OH USA | 08/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I mostly purchased this CD to be a completist, since I had all of Mendelssohn's chamber music minus these sonatas. I read reviews calling them minor works, particularly the First sonata, which was prejoritavely termed "salon-like." Hmm...



For some reason, Mendelssohn's chamber works are largely ignored by the general public, even his amazlingly mature Octet, which is perhaps the most inspired thing he ever wrote. These sonatas don't fall too far from the tree, either. Both are incredibly melodic, exciting works, perfectly written for both instruments and extremely memorable. The First sonata is graceful above all; never really dramatic, but clear and compelling, with a soaring Andante. I really don't think anything this perfect could be called salon-like, since even in its simplicity it makes a number of demands on the listener.



The Variations concertantes is a very brief set, though a complete and unexpected joy. It's wonderful music, with very clever variations--and again, full of melody. The heart of the disc is the Second sonata, which is everything the previous pieces are, plus drama and a typically Mendelssohnian scherzo. In fact, this sonata can draw comparisons with his Piano Trios, both of which (to me) represent a high water mark in the genre for the 19th century. It's a perfect blend of Romanticism and Classicism, where every note counts.



The disc closes with the brief, but extremely winning Song Without Words, which may be a bit "salon-like," but in the best sense of the word. Maria Kliegel is a beautiful cellist with a great sound, and she's backed up perfectly by Kristin Merscher, both of whom inhabit Mendelssohn's graceful, happy world. This is definitely a prized disc in my collection."