Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Vladimir Ashkenazy :: Beethoven: The Cello Sonatas

Consistently and superbly musical

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 05/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is little more one could ask for in these buoyant, dramatic, glowing and felicitous performances by cellist Lynn Harrell and pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy. They simply take off because of their marvelously unforced style of play, which at various moments can be commanding, poetic and even aristocratic. Both soloists also manifest an extremely satisfying instrumental tone, especially Harrell, whose cello sounds absolutely golden, and who frequently demonstrates the ability to truly sing and soar. And with Ashkenazy's wonderfully fluid approach, the two offer readings that, for me, outdo Rostropovich/Richter and Tortelier/Heidsieck, who both present fine offerings. Though Rostropovich possesses that wonderful, big sounding tone, in these sonatas he tends to pass over phrases too quickly for me. I prefer a bit of lingering here. At times, Richter also plays too fast. With regard to the Tortelier/Heidsieck duo, they tend to render marginally more extended pauses, deliberate accents and a slower, more deliberate pace. Also, while an excellent cellist, Tortelier lacks Harrell's opulent tone that I so revel in. There are many satisfying moments in this Harrell/Ashkenazy set, but listen, in particular, to the splendid opus 69 Third Sonata. Here the two players seem to be at their finest in terms of both quality of expressiveness and instrumental interplay. Some real magic unfolds here. Overall, I believe you will find it difficult to do better than these marvelous accounts of Beethoven's masterpieces. Incidentally, the recorded sound on these discs is excellent, and exceeds that which is afforded the others in their presentations."

Absolutely superb!!!

Jeffrey Lee | 12/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A truly wonderful recording,with the right combination of technical perfection coupled with emotion. And the addition of the Opus 17 Horn sonata was a good choice. Ashkenazy and Harrell are in top form (as is Tuckwell). This collection is an absolute must."

Lovely Cello Sonatas with a Wonderful Surprise at the end..

Shoshana Zimmerman | Kibbutz, Israel | 02/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first time I met these Sonatas.
Actually, when I bought this disc, Because of the Title:
Cello Sonatas
I thought I was going to hear Sonatas for Cello Solo,
Like the Suites By Bach...
I Quickly fell in love with the Cello Sonatas, esspecially
the last three...
And what a Beautiful surprise it was to hear the Magnificent
and Charming Horn Sonata Op. 17 !
The Three Musicians Play extremly well!
esspecially Ashkenazy with his light touch
and Tuckwell with his inthusiastic (I hope I spelled it right)
Playing!"