Complete Works for Cello and Piano

Chronique

Though Chopin is clearly best known and celebrated as a composer for his own piano, he did make contributions to the chamber music arena as well, all of which included the cello. This was no doubt due at least in part to his close friendship and working relationship with cellist Auguste Franchomme. Three works for cello and piano were completed ranging from the salon-friendly Introduction and Polonaise Brilliante, Op. 3, to the more austere, sophisticated Grand Duo Concertant, and finally the mature, well-rounded G minor Sonata, Op. 65. Passacaille includes these three works as well as the Op. 12 Variations and Op. 26 Polonaise for solo piano (likely to fill out the disc) performed by pianist Viviana Sofronitsky and cellist Sergei Istomin. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this album is Sofronitsky's choice and description of pianos. The two instruments chosen, reproductions of a 1819 Graf and an 1830 Pleyel, represent pianos that Chopin himself owned and promoted. Each gives a highly unique, contrasting sound. The performances themselves are adequate but nothing exceptional. Istomin's playing is somewhat underpowered, surprising given the diminished competition given by the fortepianos. Intonation is also not precise, especially in double stop passages. Sofronitsky draws admirable sounds from her two instruments, but is often indulgent in her choice of tempo and rubato.
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