Search - Cello Ensemble Peter Buck :: Rondo Violoncello

Surprisingly Wonderful

Benjamin Sagan | Laguna Niguel, CA | 09/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"15 cellos? And that's IT!?That would sum up my initial reaction to this album when it was described to me. But in some moment of weakness, I bought it, and I'm honestly glad.As strange as it sounds, this CD is REALLY good. The cellists are all at the top of their profession, which helps, I'm sure. And the arrangements complement not only the instrument, but the pieces as well. That's really the great tribute to this disc: it makes the cello sound like all you need for great music is a cello or two (or 15); and it makes the music, from West Side Story to Tristan und Isolde (both stories of doomed lovers, oddly enough) sound like it was intended to be played on nothing but cellos.And on this disc, it's true.Highlights: "America" by Bernstein - superbly played! "Bohemian Rag" - light-hearted and fun. "Embolada" (1st of the Villa-Lobos) - lovely.and the Wagner - in some ways, the most unlikely choice for this disc, it is as moving as the original and somehow more haunting (if that's possible).. absolutely gorgeous.--- Highly recommended."