Cello Heroics I (Robert Schumann)

Chronique

In an effort to produce a unique line of recordings focused on the cello repertoire, cellist Gavriel Lipkind has released a series of self-produced discs on his own label. One of the foci is on concertante works; these albums are referred to as "Cello Heroics" with the stated notion "one concerto, one cellist, one conductor, one orchestra, one album." Such an ideal certainly allows listeners to focus all of their attention on a single composition, but -- as in the case of the Schumann concerto heard on this first disc -- creates a lean album of scarcely 25 minutes. Lipkind also seeks for a freer contribution from the orchestra, avoiding what he finds to be tentative, anemic playing. This much of his mission is certainly accomplished; the Sinfonia Varsovia under Misha Katz plays with a wonderfully robust, rich tone and is able to fluidly follow along with Lipkind's playing. This vitality in orchestral playing comes at a price, however. The result on this disc gives the appearance of a symphony in which a solo cellist can occasionally be heard. Lipkind's interpretation of Schumann is highly indulgent. Dynamics are exaggerated well beyond the scope of anything Schumann indicated his in score and Lipkind sometimes plays so quietly as if to drop off completely. Tempo variation and rubato are equally unpredictable, with large, jarring swings in speed that are simply not called for. From a technical perspective, Lipkind's playing is nearly flawless. His tone is clean and penetrating. His interpretive ideals, however, are certainly outside the box. Individual listeners will have to choose for themselves whether or not Lipkind's unique musical ideals are something new, fresh, and exciting, or just something to get the attention for being different than the mainstream.
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