Search - Antonin Dvorak, Kees Bakels, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorák: Cello Concerto

Another great version of Dvorak's cello masterpiece

Mr JB | Karlskrona Sweden | 02/07/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although this concerto is not in very much need of another version on disc, swedish cellist Thorleif Thedéen and the picked together Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra here proves that it still is possible to find something new even in such a much recorded work. Du Pré with all what's hers, Yo Yo Ma has given us a playful version, Rostropovich with Karajan perhaps the hallmark recording with all it's authority, and the Kliegel version for Naxos, and others. Still, this is very much worth owning. The solo playing of Thedéen is rhythmically very secure - especially nice in this 'jumpy' work - and very well nuanced; lively, solemn, and tranquill when so called for, and great dynamics, even within phrases. And Thedéen makes it sound so easy to play - but it surely isn't. What gives extra strenght is that the Malaysian Philharmonic under Kees Bakels follows him extremely close. You may call it very well rehearsed or maybe give an extra bravo to conductor Bakels. Either way you're positively surprised by the striking ensemble-feeling and the integrity of the soloist. This goes for all three parts, that are equally well played. The bonuses the symphonic poem 'the Watergoblin' and 'Karneval' show the virtuosity of the Malaysian forces under Bakels, clearly showing that this is a professional, hand-picked orchestra. They also match the cello concerto in style, all three works being written within 5 years. The orchestral sound is well focused, but not as clear as usually with the BIS label. It is warm, though, and giving great justice to the ooomph of the orchestra. The cello is very bright, but natural sounding. Balance between soloist and orchestra is only rather good, but for being this concerto it's not worse than any of my other versions (it's my fifth). It simply seems hard-balanced. Another minor backdraw could be (depending on personal taste) that you sometimes can hear Thedéen's breathing in the recording.But, all in all, I find this version easily lovable and will cherish it alongside Rostropovitch (the over all best of my other versions), if not even better. This one has greater dynamics than Rostropovitch/Karajan, and is a little faster - though without ever sounding hurried. It's well played with many nuances and thanks to secure rhytm also easy to listen to. A schoolbook example of virtuoso cello playing. Recommended!"