1883 - R. Strauss, Grieg & Fauré

Album review

The 1883 title and concept for this release by cellist Christoph Croisé and pianist Oxana Shevchenko doesn't quite work; there is nothing so special about the year 1883, and no attempt is made to tie the music on the program to deeper currents in the culture. Furthermore, the Fauré Élégie, Op. 24, that rings down the curtain was actually composed in 1880. This aside, though, here is an attractive cello-and-piano recital with some worthwhile pieces that aren't often heard; the intensely melodic Fauré is probably the most common of the three works. The Cello Sonata in F major, Op. 6, of Richard Strauss was written when the composer was 16 years old. Only in a few places does it sound like a youthful work, and the Andante slow movement unexpectedly has quite a bit of depth. The Strauss and the Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36, from later in Edvard Grieg's career, actually have broad similarities in their overall structure, with a big first movement, a somber slow movement, and a peppy, enthusiastic finale. Croisé has a warm, singing tone throughout, and he is nicely matched by the light touch of Shevchenko; the entire performance has modest dimensions that would have corresponded to those of a French salon, but this entails no loss of emotional depth. This was one of the last recordings made at the Zurich Radio Studio (the recording is from 2021); it has a curiously muted sound that one may like or not, but it fits this recording well. Lovers of the cello are sure to enjoy and find something new in this release.

© James Manheim /TiVo