Mendelssohn: Music for Cello and Piano

Albumbeschreibung

Following the highly successful release of their recording of Schubert's and Schumann's works for cello and piano, it only stands to reason that cellist Antonio Meneses and pianist Gerard Wyss should join forces again to record Mendelssohn's compositions for the duo. Despite the dark photo on the front cover and Wyss' somewhat dour countenance, the album is filled with some of the most joyous and effusive music in the repertoire. Although Mendelssohn's chamber music repertoire is relatively small -- especially the works for solo instrument and piano -- compared to other genres, chamber works represent some of his most refined and intimate contributions. In the case of pieces for cello and piano, we hear Mendelssohn turning to the medium across much of his compositional career beginning with the Variations Concertantes, Op. 17, and culminating in the Song Without Words, Op. 109. The album also includes three transcriptions made by the great cellist -- and colleague of Mendelssohn -- Alfredo Piatti. The performances given by these two artists are completely captivating from note one. Wyss, in particular, deserves high praise, for although these are primarily works for cello, the piano parts are extremely intricate and almost frenetic; Wyss delivers each note with amazing elegance and clarity while always allowing the cello's sound to shine through. Meneses' playing is equally refined, with clear, soaring high notes and deep, punchy sound in the instrument's lower register. Like Wyss, he tosses off Mendelssohn's many busy, frenzied passages with total ease and lucidity. Moments of introspection and calm, in particular the Adagio of the Op. 58 Sonata, are played with the utmost suppleness and passion. Suitable as an introduction to these works or as an addition to a large collection, this album is sure to delight even the most discerning listener.
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