Rachmaninov and Prokofiev:
- Two Cello Sonatas.
We get to hear the following:
Prokofiev:
- Cello Sonata in C major, Op. 119
Rachmaninov:
- Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19
Performed by Gautier Capuçon, cello and Gabriela Montero, piano
Like the cello solo in the slow movement from Brahms’ piano quartet, Op. 60, the Rachmaninoff Sonata for Cello and Piano is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. This recording will probably be the first time many listeners hear the work, and it will be inescapably easy for them to fall in love with the lush romantic beauty of it.
Gramophone Magazine wrote:
“Capuçon’s elegant, singing tone responds especially well to the Andante, with gentle exchanges between the instruments. Prokofiev’s Sonata may seem an unusual coupling but it contrasts nicely, with it’s own latent lyricism and with the cheerful central Moderato that has all the harmonic wit and melodic charm of the composer at his best.”
Gautier Capucon and Gabriela Montero give very good performances that are lively and intensely romantic. Rachmaninoff is known for subtle and also prominent emotional contrasts, and both are evident here.
Listen now to the Rachmaninov Cello Sonata, as played by Natalia Gutman:
And next, here is the Prokofiev Cello Sonata in C major, Op.119, as performed by Garry Hoffman, Cello.
Tags: Gautier Capuçon, Gabriela Montero, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov Cello sonatas