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Track Listings
| 1. Sonata for Cello and Piano in B flat major, Op. 45 |
| 2. Sonata for Cello and Piano in D major, Op. 58 |
| 3. Lied ohne Worte, Op. 109 |
| 4. Variations concertantes, Op. 17 |
Product Description
Review
Chandos's recording is magnificent,capturing the imperious sonorities of Paul Watkins's cello througout its range and balancing the piano,which can all too readily dominate in this music,very effectively,too.In sum,this disc is an outright winner,eloquently and intelligently. --IRR,Nov'11
Recommended in Classic fm's Christmas CD Guide. --Classic fm Magazine,Dec'11
The Watkins' extraordinary fraternal partnership resonates with Mendlessohn's own relationship to his brother,Paul.Here,Huw and elder brother Paul combine to create performances of warmth and intelligence. Performance **** Recording *** --BBC Music Magazine,Christmas'11
There have been plenty of recommendable recordings of this music but this finely balanced and recorded Chandos CD now stands high on the list of recommendations. --Gramophone,Dec'11
This glittering,calm sub-oeuvre fits compactly on a CD and is beautifully performed by the versatile Watkins Brothers. --Sunday Times,27/11/11
...This outstanding recital captures the essence of Mendlessohn's genius with compelling authority and insight. ***** --Classic FM Magazine,Feb'12
The Watkins brothers make a formidable team, and Mendlessohn's cello works are a natural fit for them,written mostly with the cellist brother,also called Paul,in mind. Their playing has an easy, genial flow to it, infused with energy and purpose.The give and take between the instruments in the first Sonata's first movement is a delight, as they move seemingly effortlessly from drama to relaxed lyricism and back. THE STRAD RECOMMENDS --The Strad,Mar'12
Recommended in Classic fm's Christmas CD Guide. --Classic fm Magazine,Dec'11
The Watkins' extraordinary fraternal partnership resonates with Mendlessohn's own relationship to his brother,Paul.Here,Huw and elder brother Paul combine to create performances of warmth and intelligence. Performance **** Recording *** --BBC Music Magazine,Christmas'11
There have been plenty of recommendable recordings of this music but this finely balanced and recorded Chandos CD now stands high on the list of recommendations. --Gramophone,Dec'11
This glittering,calm sub-oeuvre fits compactly on a CD and is beautifully performed by the versatile Watkins Brothers. --Sunday Times,27/11/11
...This outstanding recital captures the essence of Mendlessohn's genius with compelling authority and insight. ***** --Classic FM Magazine,Feb'12
The Watkins brothers make a formidable team, and Mendlessohn's cello works are a natural fit for them,written mostly with the cellist brother,also called Paul,in mind. Their playing has an easy, genial flow to it, infused with energy and purpose.The give and take between the instruments in the first Sonata's first movement is a delight, as they move seemingly effortlessly from drama to relaxed lyricism and back. THE STRAD RECOMMENDS --The Strad,Mar'12
CD Description
On this disc the Watkins brothers, Huw and Paul, join forces to perform works by Felix Mendelssohn for cello and piano. The two Sonatas for Cello and Piano which Mendelssohn composed for his younger brother, a cellist, are characterised by a strong and complex undercurrent of feeling, and superb artistry. Recognised by Schumann as light and extremely tuneful examples of the genre, he suggested of the sonata in B flat major that it was a sonata for the most refined family circle, to be enjoyed at its best, perhaps, after some poems by Goethe or Lord Byron. In his day, Mendelssohns name was strongly associated with the so-called Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), a collection of charming and intimate miniatures for solo piano. Only on one occasion did Mendelssohn compose a work in this genre specifically for cello and piano: the poetic and lyrical Lied ohne Worte, Op. 109, recorded here, which he dedicated to Lisa Cristiani, one of the few women cellists of the time. Huw Watkins is the pianist on this recording. A highly regarded performer of contemporary and twentieth-century works, he is also a composer in his own right, whose works have been commissioned, performed, and recorded by the likes of the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Nash Ensemble. Paul Watkins, an exclusive Chandos artist and one of Britains foremost cellists, performs regularly with the major British orchestras and has made six appearances as a concerto soloist at the BBC Proms. A rapidly developing conductor, in 2009 he took up appointments as Music Director of the English Chamber Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra. For Chandos the Watkins brothers have previously recorded a disc of Sonatas and Variations for Cello and Piano by Martin (CHAN 10602), of which Fanfare wrote: The performances are superb. I particularly admire Paul Watkinss unforced cello sound and the fluency and shapeliness of Huw Watkinss piano playing.
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1 review
Warm, pleasing Mendelssohn
21 Mar 2012
Format:Audio CD
This disc starts with Sonata No. 1, Op. 45, and right from the beginning we get dark chords followed by bright notes in the piano and warm melodic lines from the cello. The piano is nimble, the cello sensitive, and this listener felt that he was in for a treat on this disc. In the second movement Paul Watkins cello grabs the attention, resuming a more even partnership with the piano in the energetic third movement. Ahhhh...this is wonderful!
Next up is a series of Variations Concertantes, Op. 17, and in each of these the cello and piano make good partners - Paul Watkins (cello) and Huw Watkins (piano) really sound good together and complement each other. It is easy to get lost in the variations, the music making is so good, and Mendelssohn's material is delightful. Following this is the Lied ohne Worte, Op. 109, and it is captivating, joyful, evocative, simple, somber, and complex all at the same time and in succession. The artists do a fantastic job here.
The last piece is Sonata No. 2, Op. 58, and once again the Watkins' bring the work to life. Chamber music is essentially a conversation between the instruments involved, and it is incredibly evident here in this work. The cello and piano are like old friends sharing an afternoon of experiences, with each movement more emotionally intoxicating than the last. The third movement particularly stood out for me, with sweeping lines from the cello and sensitive accompaniment from the piano - just simply gorgeous.
The recording quality itself is exceptional, and I can't say enough about the interplay between the two brothers and their instruments. I really liked this disc a lot. If you love Mendelssohn, you won't be disappointed!
Next up is a series of Variations Concertantes, Op. 17, and in each of these the cello and piano make good partners - Paul Watkins (cello) and Huw Watkins (piano) really sound good together and complement each other. It is easy to get lost in the variations, the music making is so good, and Mendelssohn's material is delightful. Following this is the Lied ohne Worte, Op. 109, and it is captivating, joyful, evocative, simple, somber, and complex all at the same time and in succession. The artists do a fantastic job here.
The last piece is Sonata No. 2, Op. 58, and once again the Watkins' bring the work to life. Chamber music is essentially a conversation between the instruments involved, and it is incredibly evident here in this work. The cello and piano are like old friends sharing an afternoon of experiences, with each movement more emotionally intoxicating than the last. The third movement particularly stood out for me, with sweeping lines from the cello and sensitive accompaniment from the piano - just simply gorgeous.
The recording quality itself is exceptional, and I can't say enough about the interplay between the two brothers and their instruments. I really liked this disc a lot. If you love Mendelssohn, you won't be disappointed!
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