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Brahms' cello sonatas often pose a vexing balance problem for performers. First off, Brahms extensively uses the lower range of the cello, particularly in the E minor Sonata. While this register is rich and beautiful, it is not known for its ability to project. Secondly, the piano part in both sonatas is characteristically dense and full. Put these two things together and you get cello sonatas where it's often difficult to actually hear the cello. The solution: use a different piano. In the case of this album by cellist Clive Greensmith and pianist Boris Berman, a Bechstein piano from the nineteenth century is used. This is an instrument to which Brahms himself would have had access to, and is much more in line with the power that Brahms would have had in mind when composing the two cello sonatas -- certainly not the copious amounts of sound produced by modern concert grands, against which the cello has little chance in its lower register. This combination is almost always pleasing; there are times, however, when the cello actually drowns out the piano. Perhaps you can't have your cake and eat it too. Greensmith's sound throughout this album is deep and penetrating, and his vision of Brahms -- matched measure for measure by Berman -- is powerful and energetic. Intonation, technical precision, beauty of tone, ensemble, and articulation are all superior throughout.
© TiVo
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Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38 (Johannes Brahms)
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
5 Stücke im Volkston, Op. 102 (Version for Cello & Piano) (Robert Schumann)
Robert Schumann, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Robert Schumann, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Robert Schumann, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Robert Schumann, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Robert Schumann, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Cello Sonata No. 2 in F major, Op. 99 (Johannes Brahms)
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Johannes Brahms, Composer - Boris Berman, Artist, MainArtist - Clive Greensmith, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
Album review
Brahms' cello sonatas often pose a vexing balance problem for performers. First off, Brahms extensively uses the lower range of the cello, particularly in the E minor Sonata. While this register is rich and beautiful, it is not known for its ability to project. Secondly, the piano part in both sonatas is characteristically dense and full. Put these two things together and you get cello sonatas where it's often difficult to actually hear the cello. The solution: use a different piano. In the case of this album by cellist Clive Greensmith and pianist Boris Berman, a Bechstein piano from the nineteenth century is used. This is an instrument to which Brahms himself would have had access to, and is much more in line with the power that Brahms would have had in mind when composing the two cello sonatas -- certainly not the copious amounts of sound produced by modern concert grands, against which the cello has little chance in its lower register. This combination is almost always pleasing; there are times, however, when the cello actually drowns out the piano. Perhaps you can't have your cake and eat it too. Greensmith's sound throughout this album is deep and penetrating, and his vision of Brahms -- matched measure for measure by Berman -- is powerful and energetic. Intonation, technical precision, beauty of tone, ensemble, and articulation are all superior throughout.
© TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 12 track(s)
- Total length: 01:08:39
- 1 Digital booklet
- Main artists: Clive Greensmith Boris Berman
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: Biddulph Recordings
- Genre: Classical Chamber Music
(C) 2008 Biddulph Recordings (P) 2008 Biddulph Recordings
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