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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Magnificent sound. Extraordinary performance, so intimate and introspective.
At first, I chose this CD more properly because of the glorious recording of Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata. The execution of this chamber music jewel by Britten & Rostropovitch is simply moving. Throughout their hard work the two masters must have in facts deeply perceived Schubert's unique and sincere ability to explore the human heart, so that they became able to narrowly and magnificently reproduce it in one of its most beautiful expressions.
But after a new listening and a more aware reading from the attached booklet introduction by Graham Johnson, I've recently come to realize how rightful was Britten's opinion about Schumann's late works, just like the beautiful "Funf Stucke im Volkston" - I apologize, I do not have the right German types on my keyboard to write this down. 'Many commentators argue that Schumann's late works reflect a disastrous falling-off of imagination. Britten had no patience with this thesis'. That's exactly what a deep and careful analysis of the five pieces would conclude. Moreover '[...] in other hands the music can sound gauche and disjointed: with these performers it has a rustic simplicity and strenght, and the phrasing unveils delightful humor and playful repartee. These are revelatory performances of problematic pieces which refuse to yield their secrets to many enthusiasts'. I totally agree with Mr. Johnson.
Finally, I'm no actual Debussy connoisseur yet - I'm sorry, amico mio! - but his Cello Sonata sounds quite fine to me.
Such records deserve the honors of masterpieces.
Something to play on and on.
At first, I chose this CD more properly because of the glorious recording of Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata. The execution of this chamber music jewel by Britten & Rostropovitch is simply moving. Throughout their hard work the two masters must have in facts deeply perceived Schubert's unique and sincere ability to explore the human heart, so that they became able to narrowly and magnificently reproduce it in one of its most beautiful expressions.
But after a new listening and a more aware reading from the attached booklet introduction by Graham Johnson, I've recently come to realize how rightful was Britten's opinion about Schumann's late works, just like the beautiful "Funf Stucke im Volkston" - I apologize, I do not have the right German types on my keyboard to write this down. 'Many commentators argue that Schumann's late works reflect a disastrous falling-off of imagination. Britten had no patience with this thesis'. That's exactly what a deep and careful analysis of the five pieces would conclude. Moreover '[...] in other hands the music can sound gauche and disjointed: with these performers it has a rustic simplicity and strenght, and the phrasing unveils delightful humor and playful repartee. These are revelatory performances of problematic pieces which refuse to yield their secrets to many enthusiasts'. I totally agree with Mr. Johnson.
Finally, I'm no actual Debussy connoisseur yet - I'm sorry, amico mio! - but his Cello Sonata sounds quite fine to me.
Such records deserve the honors of masterpieces.
Something to play on and on.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
the other review omits for me the most interesting + arresting works, namely the Debussy sonata : (along with Shostakovichs sonata) is a classic 20th C work for cello + piano. recordings of the two men performing together are poorly represented on cd and this cd contains recordings made in the 1960s is for me,pretty much definitive. as expected from Rostropovich the cello playing displays the dark toned,powerful fiery playing you would expect from "Slava", but also moments of real finesse and emotional engagment with the music - played by the composer + it dedicatee. the Debussy also is a marvel - one of the first works i truly loved when i first started listening to classical music twenty years ago. its a much underheard work that is deeply expressive, dark + unusual in its form yet still melodic + very moving.
Benjamin Britten + Rostrpovich are marvellous on this cd, but an alternative also try also to dig out Steve Isserlis "French Cello Sonatas" on the virgin label for an equally rewarding reading of the Debussy (along with Poulenc + Franck - yes i know he was Belgian but hey..). Bruno Weinmeister on the budget Arte Nova label is also worth a try for the Debussy, as well as other 20th C works by Webern + Lutoslawski. The Schumann + Schubert also on this cd will appeal to fans of the expressive, deeply melodic late romantic school + are equally rewarding, but the Debussy sonata is the one for me. Sound on this decca cd is a little dry + rough around the edges when compared to modern days releases, but here the sense of history being recorded is tangible. strongly recommended for those wishing to go deeper..
NB - this cd does NOT include the fairly rare + powerful Britten cello sonata - that is included on the Decca "Classic Sound" cd release (amazon ISIN:B0000042G2) of the same recordings made by Rostropovich + Britten,at slightly higher price + well worth the extra outlay.
Benjamin Britten + Rostrpovich are marvellous on this cd, but an alternative also try also to dig out Steve Isserlis "French Cello Sonatas" on the virgin label for an equally rewarding reading of the Debussy (along with Poulenc + Franck - yes i know he was Belgian but hey..). Bruno Weinmeister on the budget Arte Nova label is also worth a try for the Debussy, as well as other 20th C works by Webern + Lutoslawski. The Schumann + Schubert also on this cd will appeal to fans of the expressive, deeply melodic late romantic school + are equally rewarding, but the Debussy sonata is the one for me. Sound on this decca cd is a little dry + rough around the edges when compared to modern days releases, but here the sense of history being recorded is tangible. strongly recommended for those wishing to go deeper..
NB - this cd does NOT include the fairly rare + powerful Britten cello sonata - that is included on the Decca "Classic Sound" cd release (amazon ISIN:B0000042G2) of the same recordings made by Rostropovich + Britten,at slightly higher price + well worth the extra outlay.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
You must have it! A marvelous hymn to Music and Musicianship.
17 Feb 2012
Format:Audio CD
I had the opportunity to admire Britten as a very refined and gifted pianist listening to the CDs of the BBC series "Britten The Performer" (there you can also find a rare and precious performance in duet with Claudio Arrau (!!!) accompanying in Brahms's Liebeslieder Waltzes). Here (in 1961 and 1968) the astonishing musicianship of Britten meets the equally astonishing musicianship of his close friend Rostropovich. The result is a marvelous hymn to Music and Musicianship. Rostropovich is not always or ever my favorite cellist as Britten is not my favorite composer or performer. Nevertheless I consider this CD a true gem of inestimable value. Here something magical happens; here Music naturally, flawlessly, effortlessly flows out in all Her strong but sweet beauty. Here the miracle occurs and the Goddess is claimed to show Herself unveiled. Surely the pieces performed are not banal or meaningless - on the contrary! -, but the matter here is the basic attitude of the performers towards Music in general and their natural and spontaneous (that does not mean naif) approach to playing. You will listen to this CD again and again, every-time renewing your pleasure and deepening your comprehension of the Mistery.
A very good sound and vivid remastering improve "presence" effect. I think this is one of the CDs you will firstly and proudly offer for listening to your visiting music-mates.
A very good sound and vivid remastering improve "presence" effect. I think this is one of the CDs you will firstly and proudly offer for listening to your visiting music-mates.
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