Maazel, Gabetta, Kern: Shostakovich – Cello Concerto no.1, Rachmaninov – Cello Sonata (FLAC)

Audio CD
SPARS Code: DDD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: FLAC (image+cue)
Label: Sony
Size: 271 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

Shostakovich – Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107
01. I. Alegretto
02. II. Moderato
03. III. Cadenza
04. IV. Allegro con moto

Rachmaninov – Sonata for Violoncello and Piano in G minor, Op. 19
05. I. Lento – Allegro moderato
06. II. Allegro scherzando
07. III. Andante
08. IV. Allegro mosso

I Am Sold On Sol

What a perfect combination: Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Sol Gabetta. Sol plays luxuriously as if the music had been written only for her to interpret. I’ve listened to this album many times and never tire of it.

I recommend the first and third movements of the Rachmaninov Cello Sonata

In reviewing only Rachmaninov’s Cello Sonata, I must say the performance and recording are superb. Movement 1 is pretty music, except for a wild passage from 9 minutes to 10 minutes. Movement 2 is an inconsistent work, though with several alluring sections, to be sure. Movement 3 is pretty, relaxing, and consistent. Movement 4 has far too many conflicting passages, although some are charming.