Composer: Mark Abel, Edvard Hagerup Grieg, Zoltan Kodály
Performer: Jonah Kim, Robert Koenig
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Delos
Catalogue: DE3585
Release: 2021
Size: 1.35 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Kodály: Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 8
01. I. Allegro maestoso ma appassionato
02. II. Adagio (con grand’ espressione)
03. III. Allegro molto vivace
04. Abel: Approaching Autumn
Grieg: Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36
05. I. Allegro agitato
06. II. Andante molto tranquillo
07. III. Allegro moto e marcato
Jonah Kim, one of America’s finest young cellists, steps out in this wide-ranging program, joined – in two of the three works – by esteemed collaborative pianist Robert Koenig. Kim begins the program with a Mount Everest for cellists, the Sonata for Solo Cello by Zoltán Kodály. Inspired by the legacy of his teacher, János Starker, Kim has had a lifelong affection for the work, and delivers a thrilling performance.
The album’s title work, “Approaching Autumn”, is an atmospheric and adventurous duo in one movement. Kim and Koenig weave their way poetically through Mark Abel’s enchanting creation, in its premiere recording. The final offering is Edvard Grieg’s beloved 19th century masterpiece, the Sonata for Cello and Piano. Kim and Koenig do full justice to a work that has attracted such luminaries as Pablo Casals and Artur Rubinstein, as well as Mstislav Rostropovich and Sviatoslav Richter, to perform it live.