Saint-Saëns Camille Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 2 / La Muse et le Poète / Romance Op. 76 / Cello Sonata No. 2
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CD Details
- Released: January 9, 2001
- Originally Released: 2001
- Label: Sony Masterworks
Tracks:
- 1.Vc Con No. 2, Op. 119: Allegro Moderato E Maestoso; Andante Sostenuto - Steven Isserlis
- 2.Vc Con No. 2, Op. 119: Allegro Non Troppo; Cadenza; Tempo I; Molto Allegro - Steven Isserlis
- 3.La Muse Et Le Poete, Op. 132 - Steven Isserlis / Joshua Bell
- 4.Romance, Op. 67 - Steven Isserlis
- 5.Vc Son No. 2, Op. 123: Maestoso, Largamente - Steven Isserlis / Pascal Devoyon
- 6.Vc Son No. 2, Op. 123: Scherzo Con Vars - Steven Isserlis / Pascal Devoyon
- 7.Vc Son No. 2, Op. 123: Romanza: Poco Adagio - Steven Isserlis / Pascal Devoyon
- 8.Vc Son No. 2, Op. 123: Allegro Non Troppo, Grazioso - Steven Isserlis / Pascal Devoyon
Product Description:
On his latest CD, Isserlis performs four relatively unfamiliar compositions of Saint-Saëns. Unfortunately, obscure works by a good composer are usually neglected for a reason. Indeed, the Second Concerto, Op. 119, and Second Sonata, Op. 123, presented here are inferior to their earlier counterparts in structural cohesion and melodic inspiration, though the Sonata contains an arresting, unusual Scherzo in the form of variations and a devout, dramatic slow movement. There are also two shorter pieces: Romance Op. 67, an appealingly melodious, slow, dreamy, subdued piece, and "La Muse et le Poète," Op. 132, for solo violin and cello with orchestra. An extended tone-poem, almost impressionist in its colorful orchestration, "La Muse" is mostly a rhapsodic dialogue between the two soloists, who unite only in a few climactic moments. Both parts are extremely difficult and continually ascend into the highest register.
Isserlis has chosen his partners wisely. Joshua Bell's brilliant virtuosity and radiant, soaring tone give the music a rapturous, ecstatic expressiveness. In the Sonata, pianist Pascal Devoyon, a specialist in French music who also partners with Isserlis on the French recording, is a marvelous collaborator. Isserlis plays with a combination of austere nobility and romantic ardor that bring out the music's strengths and conceal its weaknesses. --Edith Eisler