Franck & Ysaÿe: Works for Cello and Piano

Chronique

Though César Franck's Sonata in A major was indeed originally penned for violin and piano, transcriptions for other instruments abound, both during Franck's lifetime and in modern times. The most enduring and celebrated transcription is the version for cello and piano by Jules Delsart. So popular is Delsart's work that it is inextricably linked to the original and many cellists count it as a cornerstone of their standard repertoire. Cellist Alexander Kniazev and pianist Plamena Manova appear on this Fuga Libera album for a vigorous reading of the substantial composition. Kniazev's sound is impressively muscular and spacious for much of the sonata, easily powering through the often dense piano score. This sometimes comes at a price, however, as Kniazev occasionally crosses the line between achieving a big sound and forcing his instrument to give more than it is capable. These moments interspersed throughout the four movements are real letdowns after enjoying what is an otherwise a sound quality ideally suited for this sonata. Apart from some curiously indulgent and pedantic rubato choices in the first movement, Kniazev and Manova's interpretation highlights the work's many facets and moods. Also appearing on the disc are Kniazev's own transcriptions of Franck's Nocturne and Ysaÿe's Op. 20 Berceuse and Op. 12 Poème élégiaque. Both pieces are adapted nicely and are interesting in their own right, but fall a bit flat in their disc order following the Franck sonata.

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